AN Oswaldtwistle firefighter has been suspended after a colleague was filmed being spun in a fire station tumble dryer.

Simon Leyland, whose family lives in Melrose Avenue, is one of four firefighters from Blackley fire station, Manchester, who have been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing.

It is understood the four suspended include the person who filmed the prank, the one who switched the machine on and Andy Bruce, who was inside the dryer.

The four could face the sack for breaching health and safety regulations and bringing the reputation of the fire service into disrepute.

The stunt, similar to those shown on the MTV show Jackass, is thought to have been recorded on a mobile phone and found its way onto the internet.

It shows Firefighter Bruce getting inside an industrial dryer and packing it with clothes to protect himself.

He then tells colleagues "As soon as I say, let me out".

The door is then shut and the machine turned on. He is spun around several times and laughter can be heard in the background.

When the door is opened Firefighter Bruce tells colleagues he feels dizzy.

He has since apologised for his actions, but bosses said the stunt was a "reckless and stupid act."

Assistant County Fire Officer Steve Beckley said: "I was horrified that any of our firefighters would think this was an acceptable practice."

Today, Deputy County Fire Officer Tony Proctor added: "Following interviews with the four firefighters involved and due to the seriousness of the incident, the decision has been taken to suspend the firefighters pending the outcome of the disciplinary hearing."