A MAN was impaled on railings after apparently trying to sneak into a closed park after dark.

Firefighters were called to free the man who was screaming in agony after his leg was caught on a spike on the fence around Taunton's Vivary Park.

The victim was rushed to Musgrove Park Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries, although his condition is unknown.

A Taunton Deane Borough Council spokesman said: "The DLO received a call from the security contractor who locks the park at night at 7pm on Friday to advise us that a person had been impaled on railings.

"The fire service was already in attendance and had freed the man and removed a section of railing, taping it off with hazard tape."

He added that the section of railings had been collected on Sunday and sent to a local workshop to be repaired, which is likely to cost between £200 and £300.

He said temporary fencing has been installed "to make the area safe".

Once the gates of Vivary Park are locked at dusk, access is not permitted.

It is believed the man trying to get into the park was homeless, although the council spokesman said: "There are incidents of rough sleeping occasionally in the Vivary Park area, but we are not aware of any recent cases of individuals sleeping overnight in the park.

"The council works closely with Taunton Association for the Homeless and the Open Door day centre to ensure all individuals reported to be sleeping rough know how to access support and shelter."