A MAN was knocked unconscious when a lamppost fell on his head at a railway station.

The 23-year-old was taken to hospital confused and concussed following the incident at Newhaven Town station yesterday morning (Monday).

A commuter said they had seen contractors working on the lamppost earlier that morning, although it is not known whether there is any connection with the fall.

Police and paramedics were called to the station shortly before 9am after the man was struck.

A spokesman for Southern Rail, which runs the station, said: "At approximately 8.45 this morning, it was reported that a man was struck by a falling lamppost at Newhaven Town station.

"Emergency services were quickly on the scene and the man was taken to hospital in Brighton.

"We are co-operating fully with the investigation into the incident and our thoughts are with the gentleman to whom we wish a speedy recovery."

The post appeared to have fallen over entirely from its base, on the pathway leading to the platform on the south side of the station.

The pathway was closed yesterday as police and health and safety workers investigated.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said the man was knocked unconscious initially but was conscious when he was in the ambulance.

He added: "An ambulance, one ambulance car and an ambulance crew checked him over at the scene. He was suffering some confusion and concussion. "He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital as a priority as we would with all head injuries.”

A spokesman for Southern confirmed its contractors KH Engineering were "on site at Newhaven Town this morning."

He added: "However, only an investigation can determine if there is a connection."

KH Engineering declined to comment.

As of yesterday afternoon, the man was in a stable condition in hospital.

A spokesman for British Transport Police confirmed its officers had been called to the station yesterday morning "following reports that a lamppost had fallen and struck a member of public".

He added: “Officers from BTP and Sussex Police attended and a man was taken to hospital.

“Police are currently on scene and will assist health and safety investigators in establishing the circumstances of this incident.”