Last updated at 11:46, Monday, 18 June 2012

An 11-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital after a metal bar became embedded in his skull.

Emergency services at the scene. Photo: Paul Gilmour

The incident happened on a grassy slope near the skate park at Bransty, Whitehaven, yesterday afternoon.

It is understood that the boy was conscious throughout although he was given morphine to ease the pain.

The North West Air Ambulance flew him to the Royal Preston Hospital, which is designated as a major trauma centre equipped to deal with patients with serious head injuries.

He was transferred last night to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where his condition today was described as “stable”. His name has not been released.

Inspector Jane Goujon, of Cumbria police, said: “We don’t know how it happened and we are still investigating.

“We have taken photographs of the scene and are speaking to witnesses to find out what was going on.”

It is understood that the boy had been riding a bike and was with friends.

The alarm was raised around 2pm, triggering a major rescue effort.

Police, fire, coastguard and ambulance services were all involved.

Firefighters from  Whitehaven and Workington assisted in the delicate job of moving the casualty, who was part way up the slope, to a place where he could be could be carried to the air ambulance. This involved using line rescue equipment and laying hessian on the bank to improve grip.

The rescue took just over an hour.

First published at 11:36, Monday, 18 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk