The East of England Ambulance Service were called to the housing site in Fentons Way in Kesgrave at 10.12am.

Ambulance service spokesman Gary Sanderson said: “We believe the man was struck by a digger then he fell down a hole approximately 20 feet in the ground.

“Paramedics who were first at the scene found he sustained serious facial injuries which were deemed potentially life threatening.

“Our ambulance crews worked extremely hard to treat, stabilise and immobilise the casualty alongside their critical care colleagues from the Essex air ambulance and fire service in a very difficult environment.”

The victim is being treated at Ipswich Hospital where he is in a serious condition.