The Great North Air Ambulance's two helicopters at the scene in Grizedale Forest. Photo: GNAAS

Mountain rescuers were called out to two off-road motorcyclists critically injured in a crash in a Lake District forest.

The pair collided with each other in Grizedale Forest yesterday.

Coniston Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 3.45pm and was joined at the scene by two helicopters from the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Police and staff from the North West Ambulance Service also went to the site.

A Coniston MRT spokesperson said: “On arrival the team was tasked with assisting with the care of one of the casualties who had sustained serious multiple injuries. Both riders were transferred to the helicopters, which had landed near Grizedale visitor centre, and airlifted to hospital.”

A Great North Air Ambulance spokesperson said: “Due to the seriousness of the incident, two GNAAS aircraft were sent to the scene.

“Both male bikers, believed to be in their 20s, had suffered serious head injuries and were anaesthetised by the GNAAS doctors. After being given blood, one man was flown to Royal Preston Hospital. The second patient was flown to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

“Both men were in a critical condition upon arrival at hospital.”

The incident involved 15 volunteers from Coniston MRT.

Earlier in the day, the team was called out to a man in his 60s who became unwell while walking on the Hole Rake path between Coniston Coppermines Valley and Tilberthwaite.

The North West Air Ambulance flew to the scene, and 14 Coniston MRT members took part in the rescue about 12.20pm.

The team spokesperson said: “The gentleman who was part of a walking group was taken ill on the Hole Rake path above Coppermines Valley.

“Team members treated him and stretchered him to the air ambulance which had been forced to land lower down in the valley because of inclement weather. He was then airlifted to Lancaster Royal Infirmary for further treatment.”