The family of a boy who lost two of his toes after his foot got jammed between a step and the side of an escalator at London Bridge station is suing Network Rail.

The parents of four-year-old Oscar said his wellington boot got caught in the side of the escalator at London Bridge on New Year’s Day on their way home to Sittingbourne, Kent, after a day out watching a New Year’s Day parade.

Oscar was standing behind his mum going up to platform seven when his wellie got trapped. His mum frantically looked for an emergency stop button while his dad tried to hoist him out of the boot, but in the process two toes were pulled off.

Oscar was taken to St Thomas’ Hospital where his little toe was fully amputated, and his fourth toe partially removed.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “The safety and wellbeing of our passengers is always our number one priority and our thoughts are with the young boy and his family at this very difficult time.

“Everyone in Network Rail and particularly the team at London Bridge station are saddened by this incident.

“However, while the case is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this stage.”