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'Avalanche' traps Lakes walkers Men rescued from Lakes avalanche
(about 2 hours later)
A rescue operation is under way after four walkers were trapped in a reported avalanche in the north Cumbrian fells. Four walkers have been rescued after being swept away by an avalanche on a remote fell in the Lake District.
The party from County Durham were walking St Sunday Crag in Patterdale near Penrith. Mountain rescuers said two of the men fell 750ft (228m) down St Sunday Crag in Patterdale shortly before 1400 GMT. The others emerged nearer the fell top.
Three people have been found and taken to hospital. One is believed to have suffered serious head and leg injuries. Another has chest injuries. Three were airlifted off the fell, with one suffering serious head and leg injuries. Another had chest injuries.
The fourth is yet to be recovered, but police say it is believed the last walker is the least injured. The men, from County Durham, triggered the avalanche in attempting to climb a snow-covered ridge, rescuers said.
Insp Lee Skelton of Cumbria Police said: "We believe it was a party of four that was caught up in an avalanche." Martin Cotterell, leader of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, said: "The men had got to the top of their climb when they were faced by a snow covered ridge and they triggered the avalanche when they attempted to climb it.
He said the rescue operation was still ongoing. Unstable areas
Police have urged people not walk in the fells and to postpone activities until conditions improve on high land. "Two were swept down the fell and were found in the debris of the avalanche. The other two men have somehow rolled out closer to the top, we are not sure how."
The two most badly injured were taken of the fell by a helicopter from RAF Boulmer and the third was rescued by air ambulance.
The final man walked off the fell with mountain rescuers before being taken to hospital.
Insp Lee Skelton, of Cumbria Police, said recent heavy snow falls combined with fluctuating temperatures had left many areas unstable.
Officers are urging people not walk in the fells and to postpone activities until conditions improve on high land.