The headwall of Helvellyn, above Red Tarn

A woman was seriously injured while winter climbing on England’s third highest mountain.

The 20-year-old student from London fell about 30m (100ft) from a route on the headwall of Helvellyn today.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 4pm today, Saturday, by police and 15 team members went to her aid.

The woman was climbing with a group of fellow students on the 950m (3,117ft) mountain when she slipped and suffered multiple injuries, including a suspected broken thigh bone and injuries to her face.

A spokesperson for the rescue team said: “The woman was treated at the scene. She was placed in a spinal mattress after her leg was splinted and she was then airlifted from the scene by a Sea King helicopter from HMS Gannet.

“The woman was then flown to West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven for further treatment.”