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.”