The Old Man of Coniston's mines can be dangerous

Rescuers have warned of the dangers of entering disused slate mines in the Lake District after a man was seriously injured when he fell while exploring underground.

Coniston Mountain Rescue Team was called out on Wednesday when the man, in his 20s, was found on the Old Man of Coniston.

Jeff Carroll of the team said: “The man was found with serious injuries outside the mine, which was very close to the main path up the Old Man.

“He was treated for severe hand, and possibly serious upper leg and pelvis injuries, and placed in a full body vacuum mattress.

“Due to high winds, the North West Air Ambulance was unable to land in the vicinity, so the casualty was stretchered down to the team’s Land Rover ambulances and taken to the helicopter which was waiting at The John Ruskin School playing fields.

“He was transferred Preston Royal Infirmary.

“The team would like to remind people that although many of the mines look quite safe, they can be extremely dangerous with drops and unstable rock, and should only be investigated by experienced people with the correct equipment.”

The rescue involved 18 volunteers from the Coniston team.