A MAN was seriously injured after being knocked from a ladder by a mobility scooter in Poole yesterday.

Paramedics rushed to Vapour Lounge in Ashley Road at around 1.30pm after the victim was found lying on the pavement outside the shop.

Those in nearby premises described hearing an “almighty bang” coming from outside before several people ran out to help the fallen man.

Grzegorz Krakowiak, who owns neighbouring PC Connect, said he was shocked by what he saw.

“I could see the blood on the ground,” he added. “It was horrible.”

Another eyewitness, who did not want to be named, said: “I saw him lying on the ground. He was trying to get up but couldn’t and I shouted for somebody to call an ambulance.

“His other half came out of the shop and was very upset.”

Darren Hayward, a stylist at Malcolm Tina Barker, said he also heard the crash.

He added: “Several people came out to help and one man was speaking to him loudly and trying to keep him conscious before the ambulance arrived.

“It was just awful and not something you expect to happen.”

Police closed one lane of the road in the aftermath of the incident to allow CSI and collision investigators to examine the scene, resulting in severe delays.

Sgt Nikki Burt, of Dorset Police’s traffic unit, confirmed the incident involved a white mobility scooter being driven by a woman in her seventies, which remained on the pavement as officers worked.

She added: “The man on the ladder has sustained serious injuries and has been taken to Poole Hospital for treatment.

“His next of kin are aware and with him.”

A spokesman for South West Ambulance Service said the man was conscious when paramedics arrived and had sustained a “nasty cut” to the head.

Any witnesses to the incident should call Dorset Police on 101, quoting 12:201.