A MOTORCYCLIST escaped serious injury today (Saturday) after he was thrown from his machine on the motorway near Redditch.

The incident happened at around 11.15am this morning on the M42 motorway near to junction three and where the motorway merges with the M40.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said the decision by the man, aged in his 40s, to wear the correct safety equipment, such as leathers and a helmet helped him avoid serious injury.

Two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer were sent to the scene following the incident.

An off duty fireman and an off duty doctor had stopped at the scene to offer assistance prior to the arrival of ambulance staff.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered a motorcyclist who had been thrown from his bike. No other vehicles had been involved in the incident. He was already receiving treatment and care from an off duty fireman and doctor.

“He was treated for lower leg pain, back pain and shoulder pain and immobilised as a precaution with the use of a neck collar and scoop stretcher. He was then transported to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

“He is extremely fortunate not to have suffered more serious injuries in the incident and the fact he was wearing all of the correct safety equipment has played a big part in ensuring that is the case.”