A WORKMAN lay trapped under half a tonne of concrete for 30 minutes after the roof of the building he was working on collapsed.

His shocked co-worker dialled 999 and ambulance crews, an emergency doctor and three fire crews worked to free the man who was pinned underneath the wreckage.

The two men were working on the roof of an 8ft-high extension to a house in Winfrith Way, Nursling, when the concrete roofing collapsed.

One was thrown away from the building and suffered minor injuries, but the other ended up with his legs trapped beneath the rubble.

He was eventually freed and taken to Southampton General Hospital where he was treated for leg injuries.

The owners of the large, semi-detached house and the man's co-worker declined to talk to the Daily Echo.

Neighbour Mac Moroney, 63, who lives in Nursling Street, heard the commotion and went to see if he could help.

"It was obvious something serious had happened when a paramedic on a motorbike turned up followed by an ambulance," he said.

He added: "He was very lucky it was only his legs that were trapped, otherwise it could have been a lot worse."

Mr Moroney provided cups of tea for the emergency services as they fought to free the man beneath the rubble and was full of praise for their quick and efficient work.

"I think this shows how professional the ambulance service, on-call doctors and fire brigade are," Mr Moroney said.

Other horrified neighbours gathered to watch the unfolding crisis.

One, who did not want to be named, said: "We heard he had leg injuries and he was obviously in extreme pain. His friend was sat on the wall and he looked really shocked."

Police attended the incident after the man, thought to be in his early 20s, was taken to hospital with leg injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive were informed of the incident and an investigation has been launched.