The woman was airlifted after falling from Tryfan's North Ridge. Photo: Richard Webb CC-BY-SA-2.0

A woman suffered suspected spinal injuries today when she fell from a scrambling route in Snowdonia.

The 43-year-old from Cheshire was attempting the North Ridge of Tryfan when she lost her footing on the North Towner and tumbled about 10m (33ft).

Members of the public on the 917m (3,009ft) mountain raised the alarm following the incident at about 12.15pm and Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation was called out.

Chris Lloyd of the rescue team said: “With the nature of the injuries and the ideal flying conditions, the support of 22 Squadron [at RAF Valley] was requested and granted.

“Thirty minutes later, three OVMRO troops were airlifted to assist the winchman load the casualty who had suspected spinal injuries as well as a broken wrist.”

She was flown to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor for further treatment and remains in the hospital.

• OVMRO volunteers also continued the search for missing Stoke on Trent walker Shayne Colaco.

Mr Colaco was believed to be heading for the summit of Tryfan

The 33-year-old’s car was found parked on the A5, 100m west of Llyn Ogwen on Monday. He was last seen on Saturday.

Mr Colaco was described as an experienced walker, but searches have found no trace of him.

Mr Lloyd said: “There was some paperwork to indicate that he might be on or had been or was planning in future a visit to Tryfan.

“Our search managers were called early Tuesday. They had to gather enough information so as to conduct a search. By lunchtime, RAF 22 Squadron and RAF Valley Mountain Rescue Team as well as a few Ogwen troops were mobilised.

“By the evening about 18 RAF and 20 OVMRO troops were searching all corners of Y Garn, the Gribin ridge to Glyder Fach, Pen yr Ole Wen and Cwm Lloer without success.

“So little is known about our missing person and no-one has seen him. The search was scaled down today with just team members who are not at work, searching a few more areas.”