A DRIVER of a 40ft crane was seriously injured when it toppled over at Southampton docks just after midday today.

The straddle carrier, one of about 90 at the docks used to manoeuvre around containers, collapsed at berth 207 off Western Avenue.

Up to 12 firefighters from St Mary's and Redbridge fire stations were called to release the driver from the cab.

He was taken by ambulance to Southampton General Hospital.

An ambulance spokesman said the man's condition was described by doctors at the scene as "serious but stable".

Redbrige fire crew manager Simon Fearnley said: "The crane had totally collapsed and fallen on its side.

It was moving at the time but wasn't a carrying a container.