The rider crashed on the Northern Loop of Whinlatter Forest

A mountain biker suffered serious injuries when he crashed at high speed on a Lake District track.

The 45-year-old rider was on the North Loop of Whinlatter Forest yesterday when he went over his handlebars.

He injured his ribs and also suffered possible spinal injuries when he came off his bike.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out at midday and responded immediately to the incident, with the team’s doctor making straight for the scene.

A team spokesperson said: “He was treated at the scene with analgesia and splinting, and then transferred to a road ambulance for transfer to West Cumberland Hospital.”

The callout lasted 1¾ hours and involved 11 volunteer team members.