A 10 year-old boy has been airlifted to hospital and is in a critical condition following an accident at Hilbre Island this afternoon.
Merseyside Police say the boy, who was accompanied by an adult, slipped on rocks on the island off the West Kirby coast at around 1pm, and suffered a head injury.
Emergency services were contacted and the boy was transferred by helicopter to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. Police say he is currently in a critical condition.
A spokesman for Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team said: “The team was tasked to assist with the rescue of a 10 year old child who had fallen on Hilbre island.
“When on scene, team members found the child being treated by RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat crew members. Team members assisted where required and provided transport and co-ordination of on scene assets whilst the casualty care was shared with North West Ambulance Service , HART team and the lifeboat crew.
“The casualty was removed to Alder Hey hospital via North West Air Ambulance and the team send him and his family best wishes.”
A spokesperson for West Kirby Lifeboat added: “West Kirby Lifeboat was requested by Holyhead Coastguard this afternoon in response to a 10 year old boy who had fallen from rocks on Hilbre Island.
“Once on scene the Lifeboat crew began to assess and stabilize the casualty while West Kirby Tractor, the BV 206, returned to West Kirby to collect additional Lifeboat crew and HART team paramedics.
“Shortly after the Lifeboat arrived on scene, Northwest Air Ambulance and Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team arrived to assist the crew.
“The boy was airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where he remains in a critical condition. Our thoughts are with him and his family. Many thanks to all that attended.”
Merseyside police are appealing for anyone who was in the vicinity of Hilbre Island between 12.30pm and 1.30pm and may have witnessed the incident or has any information to contact them on 0151 777 2265.