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ESCALATOR HORROR

Boy, 4, has his toes torn off when his Wellington boot got trapped in an escalator after watching New Year’s Day parade

A FOUR-year-old boy's toes were torn off when his Wellington boot got trapped in an escalator after he watched a New Year's Day parade.

The toddler's shoe got stuck between the step and the side of the escalator at London Bridge station at around 7pm on January 1.

The boy's toes were ripped off when his boot got stuck in an escalator at London Bridge station
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The boy's toes were ripped off when his boot got stuck in an escalator at London Bridge stationCredit: Getty

His panicked mum struggled to find an emergency brake, with his dad eventually hauling the boy out of his shredded boot.

But the four-year-old's little toe and part of his fourth toe were torn off as he was pulled free.

A passing doctor rushed to help the injured boy while a technician retrieved the severed toes from the escalator and put them on ice.

But medics were unable to re-attach the toes at nearby St Thomas' Hospital.

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The family, from Sittingbourne in Kent, had spent the day sightsteeing, watching the New Year's Day parade and eating pizza.

They are now taking legal action against Network Rail - and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The boy's dad told the : "A lovely family day out ended in absolute disaster for us.

"I am confident our little boy wasn’t doing anything he shouldn’t have been on the escalator.

"We were right next to him, and it was such a frightening experience to see him suddenly trapped like that.

"Our little boy has been really suffering and is now completely terrified of going near any escalators or lifts."

Network Rail have reportedly denied liability for the horror accident on New Year's Day.

A spokesperson said: "The safety and wellbeing of our passengers is always our number one priority.

"Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family at this very difficult time.

"Everyone in Network Rail and particularly the team at London Bridge station are saddened by this incident.

"However, while the case is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this stage."

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