2.50pm - Teenager rescued after camping dilemma
SUMMER drinkers are being warned to take care after a man fell and injured himself near Cheltenham.
Police are reminding campers to be responsible when drinking outdoors after the air ambulance was called to rescue a Cheltenham teenager who had fallen and injured himself on Leckhampton Hill.
“The 18-year-old had been camping on Saturday near the Devil's Chimney when it appears that he became separated from his group and fell down the hill,” said a police spokeswoman.
“Unaware that their friend had been injured the rest of the group packed up their belongings and left the area.”
Police received a call from the man at approximately 7.10am on Sunday stating that he had woken up to find himself on rocks near the cliff face of Leckhampton Hill and was in a great deal of pain.
“The air ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital to be treated for hypothermia, a fractured jaw, fractured pelvis, broken back and a contusion on the lungs,” the spokeswoman added.
Inspector Paul Cruise said: “The severity of this man's injuries highlight the dangers of drinking in such circumstances.
“We urge those camping in the area to drink responsibly, to stay together and to contact Police should you be unable to find a member of your group.”
5 Comments
by Julius, Charlton Kings
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 5:11PM
“Firstly, my sympathies for the man who fell and injured himself. This site is characterised by limestone cliffs which can be dangerous if not treated with respect, especially in the dark, or when drunk.
However, it was disappointing that the Police Inspector said "We urge those camping in the area to drink responsibly, to stay together and to contact Police should you be unable to find a member of your group." without pointing out that camping is not allowed "in the area". The site is an environmentally sensitive Site of Special Scientific Interest. Roger is right, whilst visitors are welcome, camping and especially camp fires, which could destroy important habitat, are not allowed.
Member of the Friends of Leckhampton Hill & Charlton Kings Common”
by anon, cheltenham promenade
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 11:41AM
“What great mates he has i hope they feel terrible, as a kid i camped at choosen hill and would never ever go near devils drop drunk, kind of serves him right for being stupid and his friends for not looking out for eachother !!”
by notalotofdosh, Chelt
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 10:12AM
“I can't believe that they just left and didn't realise that HE WASN'T WITH THEM.”
by lorraine, gloucester
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 8:44AM
“What great friends he went with, never even checked his whereabouts. Just as well he came round and had a signal on his mobile. It could have been even worse”
by Roger, Cheltenham
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 8:10AM
“People need to be aware that camping is not permitted on Leckhampton Hill and there is signage to inform visitors of this. I use the hill regularly and I see the irresponsible litter remains from parties on the hill. Broken bottles and knives are seen quite often. Add to this drunk individuals stumbling near to dangerous rock faces in the dark and you've got the ingredients for an accident. If people do go up at night for heavens sake at least take your mess home with you.”