Keswick team members at the site above Thirlmere. Photo: Keswick MRT

Rescuers said a walker was interviewed by police after being stretchered from a Lake District fell.

Two teams were alerted after reports of an injured solo walker on Helvellyn on Tuesday.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out at the request of ambulance staff who were responding to a call saying the 20-year-old man had fallen and injured his back after walking for three hours.

A Patterdale MRT spokesperson said: “The location of the young male was somewhat vague and his telephone signal was intermittent.

“The Patterdale team carried out a limited search based upon the information given. Eventually after further investigation and another call from the casualty it was deduced that he was on the Thirlmere side of Helvellyn. Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was informed and mobilised to search the area.”

The Keswick team picked up the incident about 12.35pm.

A Keswick team spokesperson said: “Keswick MRT was asked to check out the Thirlmere side of Helvellyn, and an air ambulance was also tasked to fly over the possible areas.

“Fortunately, the man was spotted from the air, 500m above Thirlmere.

“The man was not injured and so was stretchered down a steep and awkward slope to a waiting ambulance in the valley below, and taken to Carlisle infirmary to be checked over, and interviewed by the police for possible false calls.”

Seventeen Keswick MRT members were involved for 4¼ hours.

While the incident was still being dealt with, the Keswick team’s help was requested for a 30-year-old woman who had slipped and suffered a suspected broken ankle while coming down Cat Bells.

The team spokesperson said: “Fortunately, the location was quite close to the road, so were we able to quickly attend the incident with a few team members who were not attending the Birk Side incident.

“The casualty was treated at the scene and taken to hospital in Carlisle for x-rays by another member of her group.”