Rescuers and the air ambulance at the site near Haystacks. Photo: Cockermouth MRT

A walker was airlifted from the Lake District fells after suffering back and hip injuries in a tumbling fall.

Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 1.10pm on Monday to the incident near the Haystacks summit.

A team spokesperson said: “Two walkers were descending Haystacks towards Innominate Tarn when one slipped descending a rocky step and took a short tumbling fall landing heavily on their lower back.”

Team members made their way to the site from the Dubs Hut above Honister mine.

The spokesperson said: “The casualty was assessed, and carefully packaged to ensure that their spine was immobilised. Due to the rough ground and the potential nature of the injury, the team leader requested a helicopter to assist with evacuation.”

The team was met at Black Beck Tarn by the North West Air Ambulance, which flew the injured walker to Lancaster for further treatment.

The spokesperson said: “The team wishes the casualty a speedy recovery.”

The incident lasted 3½ hours and involved 20 Cockermouth MRT members.