A TEENAGER had a lucky escape after plunging through a factory roof while trying to retrieve his football.
The 14-year-old fell about 15ft on to barrels stored at Hillbrook Printing Inks, New Hey Road, Outlane, last night.
Firecrews broke into the premises to rescue the boy who suffered a damaged ankle, although it was not thought to be broken.
The boy was taking part in a kickabout in the works yard with a group of friends at about 6.45pm when the ball landed on the roof.
He clambered up, only to plunge through the ceiling and land on containers.
His friends then raised the alarm.
Paramedics, police and firecrews all attended the scene.
The boy was slightly injured but otherwise unhurt by his ordeal.
His mother and friends waited outside as he was rescued.
Leading firefighter Clinton Rowell, based at Elland, said: "He was a lucky lad, it could have been a lot worse if he had landed on the concrete floor."
He urged adults to be vigilant and for children to take care.
"As the holidays approach children are going to be looking for places to play and if balls do go on roofs, they don't think anything of jumping up there."
