Moor warning after girls rescued

Walkers can be overwhelmed by the weather on Dartmoor

Police are reminding Dartmoor walkers to be sure they check equipment and weather conditions before setting off.

The call comes after five 17-year-old girls got lost in bad weather conditions, despite having appropriate equipment and maps.

The girls, from the London area, had been participating in a Duke of Edinburgh award scheme trip.

They were rescued in a joint operation by emergency services and moor rescuers, and treated for hypothermia.

Helicopter searches

The girls were camping in the Yelverton area at Sheepstor when they got lost and became hypothermic. They called for help at about 0930 GMT on Friday.

Officers from Tavistock, Okehampton and Ivybridge police stations were called to take part in a search, along with the police helicopter, the air ambulance and members of the Dartmoor Rescue Group.

The police helicopter found the girls near to the Red Lake China Clay Works at about 1100 GMT.

Two were flown to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth by the air ambulance as a precaution. The three others were taken to hospital by land ambulance. All were later released.

A police spokesman said: "It appears that the girls, although they had appropriate kit and maps, had become overwhelmed by the weather and general wet conditions."

The spokesman said it was second such incident in 24 hours and the third in 10 days.

He said: "We would like to remind people using the moor that it is essential to ensure that all equipment, routes, contact details and the ability of those undertaking this type of activity is up to the challenge of what can be a very hostile and dangerous environment without the best preparation."