AN injured man had to be cut free from car wreckage after a smash just outside of Worcester.

The trapped man, who is believed to be aged about 40, was taken to hospital by air ambulance with suspected chest injuries after his Rover 200 was in collision with a Land Rover Freelander on the B4084 Pershore to Worcester Road, at Norton.

Two fire engines and one emergency tender from Worcester arrived at the scene, at the junction of Woodbury Road, just after 3.11pm yesterday.

A woman, believed to have been driving the Land Rover, was also taken to hospital after being lifted out of her vehicle by firefighters and paramedics.

"The Green Watch team cut the roof off the Rover. It only took a few minutes," said Sub Officer Dave Holland.

"It was very quick and there was a good liaison between the ambulance personnel on site as to what they needed us to do.

"They suspected spinal injures and he was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital.

"The Rover had extensive frontal damage, but the air bags went off, which reduced injuries."

Sub Officer Holland said the woman was lifted from her vehicle and taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

"It didn't take long. She was out of the car before the male victim was taken off," he said.

Sub Officer Holland said he was not aware that anyone else was in the two cars, but a third car bumped into the back of one of the two cars.

"The fire brigade arrived back at the station at about 4.40pm. It was a swift operation," he said.