A CONSTRUCTION worker suffered serious injuries after plunging 40ft from scaffolding.

The accident happened in the Bishop Cuthbert area of Hartlepool, where a retirement village is being built.

The 26-year old man, who has not been named, fractured an arm, his ankle, and suffered head injuries in the fall at about 10am on Friday.

He was taken by ambulance to the University Hospital of North Tees. His injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening.

It is not yet known how the accident happened, but an investigation by the Health and Safety executive is underway.

A spokeswoman for Cardiff-based Castleoak Care, the company building the retirement village, said: "It goes without saying that any accident is one accident too many.

"Our safety advisers are currently looking into what happened.

"Our immediate concern is with the contractor involved in the accident."