A RESCUE operation was launched to free a man who injured himself on some rocks.

Emergency services were called to North Quay, Weymouth harbour after the man injured his back when returning to a boat.

Specialist equipment had to be used to reach the man.

A Portland Coastguard spokesman said the man slipped on the side of the quay.

North Quay was closed in the early hours of yesterday while emergency services worked. Paramedics from South Western Ambulance’s Hazardous Area Response Team were called to the scene at 12.20am.

They assessed the man before he was extracted by firefighters using an aerial lifting platform. Weymouth firefighters also used a triple extension ladder to reach the man.

Wyke Regis Coastguards helped look after the man, who was taken to Dorset County Hospital .