THE teenage son of Michael Gove came “within an inch” of severing an artery when he tripped over their Christmas tree.

Will Gove, 14, was cut to the bone after plunging through French windows.

His columnist mum Sarah Vine said: “Had he fallen an inch to the side either way, he could easily have severed a ligament or, much worse, an artery. I might not have got home in time.”

The mum of two told how her son rang her after the horror accident while she was shopping for potatoes on Christmas Eve. Through howls of pain Will, a talented footballer, managed to tell her what had happened.

Sarah, 51, was panicked when he switched his phone to FaceTime and she saw a 4in gash on his shoulder so deep the bone and tissue were visible.

When she ran to their West London home he was sitting shaking on the stairs covered in bloodied kitchen towels.

She said: “His lips were blue, and the hall was looking distinctly Quentin Tarantino.

"Both window panes were jagged, gaping holes. Carpet, presents, tree were all covered in a fine spattering of blood.”

Will spent seven hours at hospital before he was allowed home with his wound stitched up.

Environment Secretary Mr Gove, 51, paid tribute to NHS staff: “Just wanted to thank the wonderful team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their kindness and professionalism this Christmas. We are in your debt.”