A FATHER has said his young son is lucky to be alive after he needed stitches for injuries sustained when he ran into the sharp edge of a broken metal fence.

Joshua Tenney, aged 10, of Henry Fowler Close, Evesham, was playing with his friend last Friday when he ran into the fence, which almost punctured his chest and caused a cut to his shin.

The fence had been sticking out into the pavement outside flats in Shepherds Pool, which are managed through Timothy Lea and Griffiths.

His dad Martin said he had to be taken to hospital where he needed six stitches. He said: “When I saw the injuries I was shocked. They were quite nasty and I think my son is lucky to be alive. If the fence had been a bit taller it could have hit him in the face.

“I reported the incident to the police and they told me they had spoken to Timothy Lea and Griffiths about it.

“If I was living in those flats and paying a service charge every year, I would expect the grounds and maintenance to be taken care of. We have spoken to a solicitor and are seeking compensation. My son is going to have a nasty scar, and these things can be avoided.”

David Hadrill, one of the partners at Timothy Lea and Griffiths, said the maintenance of the fence rested with the Briars (Evesham) Management – administered through Timothy Lea and Griffiths – which was insured for this kind of incident. He said: “We have had a lot of vandalism down there.

“What’s happened is that the railings were not secured properly and kids have been using it to play on.

“It’s very upsetting it’s happened and we have had tradesmen there to ensure it’s as safe as possible.”