A MAN severed a forefinger and nearly lost a thumb after a horrific circular saw accident at a Weymouth workshop.

The severed finger was recovered and police immediately sealed off Cambridge Road for more than half an hour so the Dorset Air Ambulance could land.

Maxwell Hawkins, 27, was flown to Odstock Hospital, near Salisbury, for emergency surgery on his right hand.

His condition today was said to be stable.

Police said the accident happened only a week before his 28th birthday and just 10 days after Mr Hawkins from Wyke Regis, Weymouth, started work at Kitchencraft on the Granby Industrial Estate.

Officers said that yesterday afternoon's accident is believed to have happened when saw room operative Mr Hawkins was cutting a piece of cabinet and tried to clear blades.

Police said the Health and Safety Executive had been informed and there would be an investigation into the incident.