30 April 2012 Last updated at 05:54 ET

Police officer seriously hurt in Odiham as tree falls on van

The officer's injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening

A police officer has been seriously injured when a tree fell on the van he was driving in Hampshire.

Fire crews had to cut the special constable free from the British Transport Police van in Odiham.

A tree surgeon was called to deal with the tree after the accident at Dunley's Hill, on Sunday morning.

The officer was later taken to Basingstoke hospital, where his injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "A tree had fallen on top of the van which had trapped the officer inside.

"The officer, who remained conscious throughout, was treated at the scene by paramedics."

Hampshire Police closed off the road between the junctions with Bridge Road and Western Lane.

Crews from Basingstoke, Odiham and Hartley Wintney used specialist equipment to cut through the roof of the van, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said.