TENBURY fire fighters were forced to chop through trees and undergrowth to rescue a 15-year-old girl trapped in a car near Upper Sapey last Sunday.

The girl was one of four passengers in a red Peugeot 406 which ended up on its side, with the tail end in the air, and wedged among trees on the B4204, close to the crossroads with the B4203, near Yearston Court.

The Peugeot was travelling towards Clifton-upon-Teme when it left the road, about 12.15am, colliding with a hedgerow and a tree. All four occupants were taken to Worcester Royal Infirmary. Three were discharged after treatment.

The girl, who sustained back and neck injuries, was transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital where she remains in a stable condition.

Another female was also trapped in the vehicle but was able to escape through a window with the help of fire fighters attending the scene. Watch manager Dave James said: "A car had left the road and was in a precarious position on its side wedged between trees.

"Obviously the vehicle was very badly damaged.

"It was a very difficult extrication to release this young female.

"It took a long time due to the nature of the job. We had to cut trees down to get at the car."

Firefighters used heavy lifting equipment and a De-Walt saw to remove the car's roof and windscreen.

All three emergency services attended the scene and the road was closed for five hours while an investigation was carried out and debris was cleared from the road.

Police are keen to trace witnesses to the incident. Anyone with information should contact PC Colin Kerfoot at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888.