Pictures: Man found badly injured near rail line in Ludlow

British Transport Police and West Mercia Police were called to the scene at just after 10.20am.

The man was found suffering from injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that a man has been found trackside suffering from injuries in the area of Ludlow station.

"At this time it is unknown how the injuries were sustained.

"Officers from British Transport Police and West Mercia Police attended. The incident, which was reported at 10.23am, is currently being treated as non-suspicious. Paramedics also attended and the man was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham."

Trains between Ludlow and Leominster were delayed for up to 60 minutes.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "The man had reportedly jumped down onto the tracks at the end of a tunnel, significantly underestimating the length of the drop, and consequently injured himself.

"The air ambulance landed on the cricket pitch and the paramedics walked about ½ mile to the station. In order to reach the patient, ambulance staff then walked about 200 metres down the track and through a tunnel where, at the other end, they found the patient.

"Upon assessment, it was clear that the 28-year-old man had a serious chest injury but was conscious, breathing and talking and had suffered no other apparent injuries despite the six metre drop. Ambulance staff gave the man pain relief and fluids before the team carefully immobilised him using HART's specialised MIBS stretcher; a multi integrated body-splint stretcher which is made of tough fabric and has carry handles for easy use.

"Due to their location and the difficult terrain, staff decided to use a train to safely transport the patient back to the station. The team then carried the man to the land ambulance which then drove him to the helicopter. Once on board the air ambulance, the man was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a major trauma centre, for further emergency care.

"This was a protracted and complex case due to its location, but the patient received seamless treatment thanks to excellent team work between different ambulance teams and the station staff."