The 33-year-old was found by police on patrol in Merton Square, Blyth, Northumberland at 1.38am on Saturday.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "A 33-year-old male was conscious and able to tell officers he had been taking a short cut over a wall when he fell onto metal spikes on top of the wall.

"The spikes had completely penetrated his right thigh near to his groin area."

The spokesman said firefighters cut him free but he was taken to hospital with the spikes still in his leg.

He is expected to undergo surgery later but he is not thought to be in a life threatening condition.

Police said his family are with him in hospital.