'Buried alive' escape artist describes moment he nearly died during terrifying challenge

By Katie Wilson: ITV News

An escapologist has told how he was just seconds from completing a Buried Alive challenge that even defeated Houdini.

Antony Britton was handcuffed and buried 6ft under six tonnes of soil with no oxygen for the stunt, which no one has ever successfully finished.

But he had to be rescued after losing consciousness just 2ft away from the surface.

He told ITV News: "I managed to get myself out of the handcuffs and I remember fighting through the soil.

"I was getting through it and then my right arm got stuck and that's when it started to go wrong. I managed to free it and at that point I felt myself starting to pass out.

"I knew I was only about 2ft away from the surface, but I could hear the buzzing getting louder in my head and I knew I was going to lose consciousness.

"At that stage I was like, right I'm completely finished. And that's when my team had to step in and get me out."

Mr Britton was rescued nine minutes into the challenge but he said anywhere after six minutes is in the danger zone.

He is now recovering after suffering cuts and bruises and a cracked rib, but has not ruled out attempting the challenge again in the future.

"I need to take a few weeks to recuperate but I would never say never," he said.

"There was always a 50/50 chance with this challenge and you win some, you lose some.

"Two of the world's greatest have tried and failed, so I'm proud to have even attempted it."

And this Twitter picture hinted at what his next challenge might be...