BOY IMPALED ON RAILINGS; Jacob 7 has lucky escape.

Byline: MATT SLATER & CLARE USHER 

THESE are the incredible pictures of a seven-year- old boy who survived becoming impaled on railings.

Jacob McCarthy was climbing the railings on Cedarwood Court in Huyton when he slipped and one of the spikes became embedded in the top of his thigh.

Jacob hung on to the railings to prevent further damage as firefighters cut him free.

The spike was left in Jacob's thigh to stop blood pouring out and he was taken to Whiston hospital. His parents spent the night at his bedside.

His mother Rachael, 27, a teacher at her son's school,Sylvester primary in St John's Road, Huyton, said: ``Jacob is being my brave little soldier. He has got to back into theatre tomorrow to get his leg stitched up.

``The paramedics gave him the piece of railing and he is going to take it into school to teach all his friends the dangers of climbing walls.''

Rachael's partner Lee said: ``It felt like a long time until the ambulance arrived because I was cradling him in my arms.

``We'rejust glad it missed everything vital. ``Look at the X-ray it's amazing how far it went in.

``Jacob has been a little star.'' Leading fire fighter Paul Hilton said: ``We have to be very careful with a job like that. You cannot let the railing move as it can cause more damage.

``He was very lucky that his injuries were not a lot worse.''

He had surgery at midnight to remove the spike and will have another operation tomorrow to close the wound when there is less chance of infection.

Jacob intends to take the spike into school to warn all his friends of the danger.

CAPTION(S):

SPIKE HORROR: Jacob McCarthy with the spike and an X-ray of it in his leg Main picture: ANDREW TEEBAY