Man found stuck in chimney at Xmas

[Mike]

Firefighters in Australia have rescued a man who was trapped up a chimney for more than 10 hours at Christmas.

They believe the man was trying to break in to the Gapview Hotel in Alice Springs at midnight when he got stuck.

The 21-year-old man was discovered by a staff member who heard him moaning the next morning, reports ABC News.

Firefighters and ambulance officers spent one-and-a-half-hours trying to free the man, eventually removing a brick fireplace with jackhammers and masonry saws before pulling him out.

Alice Springs fire station officer Mark James said the man had been stuck for about 10 hours with his knees jammed tightly into his chest.

He said: "He was like a grub in a cocoon when we found him. He was really wedged in there. Imagine being in the tightest ball you can, and being in that position for 10 hours.

"He was pretty embarrassed and ashamed, so he didn't say much when we got him out. He was obviously feeling sore and sorry for himself."

The man was taken to the Alice Springs Hospital where he is stable with minor back and leg injuries. Police will interview him when he is released.

Poor guy