The walker collapsed on Hart Crag. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A walker has died after suffering a suspected heart attack on a Lake District mountain.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out to the incident on Hart Crag on Wednesday.

The team said the 51-year-old man was walking with his wife and two friends when he suddenly collapsed.

His companions and other walkers on the hill began cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the walker.

The rescue team was alerted shortly before 1pm. A Patterdale MRT spokesperson said: “Due to the remote location and the nature of the incident the duty leader requested an air ambulance helimed and also a Coastguard rescue helicopter to assist.

“The Great North Air Ambulance flew to the scene and due to weather conditions landed a short distance from the casualty. Unfortunately the male was pronounced deceased by helimed medics a short time after their arrival.

“The male had suffered a suspected heart attack. Team members travelled to the scene on foot and assisted the helimed crew in the evacuation of the male to the air ambulance where he was transferred to Patterdale base, along with his wife.”

The Coastguard aircraft had been diverted to an incident in the Snowdon area in north Wales.

The spokesperson said: “Once again the team would like to thank the Great North Air Ambulance for their swift response and valuable assistance for this rescue, and also the Coastguard for their initial response.”

The Patterdale team was in action again on Friday when a walker injured her ankle at Aira Force. The rescuers were alerted about 2pm to aid the woman who had slipped and suffered a suspected broken ankle.

The spokesperson said: “The casualty was treated on scene by the team doctor and paramedic. After the ankle had been stabilised, the casualty was evacuated to the Park Brow car park. The casualty then made her own way to hospital for treatment.”

The 2½-hour incident involved 11 Patterdale MRT members.