Climbers saved in 50ft cliff fall

The alarm was raised at about 2000 BST

A climber has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after a climbing accident on Dartmoor, Devon.

The alarm was raised with emergency services at about 2000 BST after two men fell 50ft (15m) onto an overhang at Dewerstone Rock, Shaugh Prior.

Paramedics climbed down to rescue a 58-year-old man who had suffered neck, back and spinal injuries in the fall.

The other man, 28, used his mobile to raise the alarm. He suffered leg injuries.

RAF helicopter

Lynne Paramour, a spokeswoman from the South Western Ambulance Service, said the paramedics had risked their own lives climbing down to the overhanging ledge to save the man, who was experiencing chest pains.

They manoeuvred the injured man onto a spinal board before firefighters lifted him to safety with ropes.

Both men, who are believed to be from Torpoint, were airlifted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth by a rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor.

The 58-year-old is said to be in a critical condition.

Dewerstone Rock is a popular spot for climbers.