AN investigation has been launched after a man believed to be a firefighter was filmed being spun in a tumble dryer while on duty.

The highly dangerous prank is thought to have taken place at a station in Greater Manchester. Footage of the incident was obtained by the Manchester Evening News.

It shows a man in uniform getting into an industrial drying machine which he packs with clothes to protect himself.

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

One officer says: "Get your head near the front . . . get yourself forward a bit."

The machine is then switched on and the fireman is turned over inside it several times as others laugh hysterically. The door is opened and the fireman complains of feeling dizzy.

The footage, which appears to have been filmed on a mobile phone, was sent to fire bosses and members of the fire authority.

County Fire Officer Barry Dixon said: éWe are trying to find out if this video is of one of our firefighters.

Investigation

éA full investigation has begun and initial information would suggest that it is one of our personnel.

éWe are extremely grateful to the individual who brought this incident to our attention.

éThe health and safety of our personnel is a priority and we see the investigation, of what appears to be a reckless act, as a priority.é

A fire service spokesman said: éIt is blatantly obvious that getting into a tumble dryer, especially of industrial design, is not only foolish, but dangerous in the extreme.é

If tracked down, the fireman involved faces possible disciplinary action for breaching health and safety policy, as well as bringing the reputation of the fire service into disrepute.

The officer in charge of the station at the time could also face action.

The large yellow tumble dryer used in the video footage clearly has a écautioné warning embossed on the front of it. Accents picked up on the soundtrack of footage appear to be local.

Brigade investigators have already established that the machine is of the type used until recently on stations to clean firefightersé clothing.

Fire kit in the brigade is now sent away to a contractor to be cleaned, but the machine in the film may have been kept on a station for small-scale cleaning, such as towels.