A woman's arm has reportedly been ripped off after she reached into a parked car while trying to close the window.
It is understood that the 78 year-old was leaning through the window of the car outside a house in Hayle on Saturday afternoon when it lurched forward.
The Cornwall Air Ambulance took the casualty to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, and surgeons had hoped to be able to reattach the arm.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "What appears to have happened is that she leant into the car to close the electric windows.
"She turned on the ignition to get the power for the electric windows, but unfortunately the car was in gear and lurched forward - trapping her hand or arm.
"In the process of doing that, it has taken her arm off."
The arm was cut off above the elbow, although police said doctors hoped she would make a good recovery.
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