Coastguard warning after helicopter beach rescue

Multiple emergency services were called to assist with the rescue

The coastguard has warned that beaches and coves in part of Cornwall can be "very difficult" for emergency crews to access after a person was winched to safety by helicopter.

HM Coastguard Padstow went to help the person at Pentire Steps at Diggory's beach on Saturday afternoon and said it soon established additional help was needed.

Newquay search and rescue, Cornwall Air Ambulance, Newquay RNLI and the coastguard's helicopter were used to rescue the person who was taken to hospital in an air ambulance.

Coastguard Padstow said it was an "important reminder" of how difficult access can be in the area and it had been "very lucky" so many emergency services were available.

The coastguard says winching the person was the safest option in the circumstances

The coastguard said the operation was made more difficult by a "seriously eroded footpath" and a rising tide, meaning the helicopter could not land on the beach.

"The safest extrication method, under the circumstances, was deemed to be to request Coastguard Helicopter 924 to assist," it said.

"924 swiftly arrived on scene and performed a high-hover whilst deploying a winch-person on to the beach, along with their rescue stretcher."

It added: "This rescue entailed the use of many assets and we were very lucky that they were all available at this time.

"Amazing multi-service teamwork as always, thank you to all involved."