AN investigation is under way into how a workman fell nearly 20 feet down a lift shaft at a “Gateway” university building in High Wycombe.

The subcontractor was left with a broken leg after falling six metres down the void from the first floor of the Buckinghamshire New University building in Queen Alexandra Road on Friday.

Two fire crews from High Wycombe were called in to help paramedics rescue the man after his fall in the new building at about 8.50am.

Barbara Cahalane, a spokesman for BAM Construction, which are undertaking the £48m project, said an investigation has now been launched into the incident.

She added: “A sub contractor fell six metres down a lift shaft on Friday and broke their leg.

“We have a full investigation under way to determine what happened and proper instructions have been given to the health and safety executive.”

Anne Whitehouse, a spokesman for the university, said they still expect the building to be up and running in time for the arrival of new students on September 21.

The new building, which has been under construction since January 2008, will feature new dance studios, sports facilities and hi-tech music and video editing suites.