Probe launched after rugby spectator hit by falling goalpost in Shrewsbury giving him serious head injuries

The victim was hurt when the post fell during an under-11s friendly match at Shrewsbury Rugby Club's Sundorne Castle ground. First aid staff at the ground came to the man's aid before paramedics arrived at the scene.

The injured man, who is in his 40s, is a parent whose child was playing for Oswestry.

All future games at Shrewsbury RFC have been postponed while an investigation is carried out. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and Shropshire Council's public protection team is looking into what happened. The Rugby Football Union, which administers matches at all levels of the game in England, has also been told about the accident. No-one from the national body was available to comment.

Officials at both Oswestry and Shrewsbury rugby clubs have wished the man, who has not been named, a speedy recovery.

Steve Charmley, president of Oswestry Rugby Club, said: "No-one at Oswestry blames anyone for what happened. It was an unfortunate and freak accident. We are keeping up to date on the condition of the man involved and wish him and his family well and offer them all the support we can.

"I understand that it was the top part of the post which fell on him and he sustained quite serious head injuries."

Shrewsbury Rugby Club chairman Giles Alton said: "Following the unfortunate incident at the club, all activity on the pitches has been suspended until further notice.

"I am in liaison with the RFU and Health and Safety Executive and will seek further advice on having all goalposts assessed before any activity resumes.

"Our main concern, however, is the health and welfare of the man and his family. I am unable to comment on his current condition although I spoke with him at hospital and will maintain regular contact and support with his family.

"The club remains committed to providing a safe environment for rugby to take place and have recently undertaken additional first aid training to ensure all teams have at least one trained first aider per team. Thankfully, club first aiders were immediately available together with other qualified medical staff to ensure the casualty received the best treatment possible whilst waiting for transfer to hospital."

Gareth Proffitt, for Shropshire Council said: "Shropshire Council's public protection team is investigating the incident at Shrewsbury Rugby Club. The council can't comment any further at this stage."

The alarm was raised at about 11.50am on Sunday and paramedics treated the man at the scene before taking him to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Chris Kowalik, spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "On arrival, ambulance staff were told the man had suffered a head injury after a rugby post had fallen on him. An off-duty trauma surgeon was in attendance and had already started treating the patient prior to the crew's arrival. Ambulance staff continued treating the man before transporting him to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital."