A YOUNG boy was rescued by firefighters last night when he became trapped on an escalator in a Hampshire shopping centre.

The five-year-old was shopping in WestQuay, Southampton, when the accident happened.

He was using a conveyor linking the mall’s upper levels when his foot became stuck in the contraption at 5.16pm.

Five firefighters from St Mary’s fire station arrived to free him in view of shoppers.

He was checked over by paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service but did not need hospital treatment.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Fire and Rescue said it was an unusual incident and added: “He was ok but it was a little painful and he was checked over by ambulance crews.”