Schoolgirl rescued after Derry mountain fall

A schoolgirl was rescued from a mountain in Co Derry today after falling and knocking herself unconscious.

A schoolgirl was rescued from a mountain in Co Derry today after falling and knocking herself unconscious.

She was winched to hospital by a British army helicopter once teachers raised the alarm.

The girl (17) was in a party from Limavady College students hiking on Glenshane Mountain near Dungiven when the emergency began.

She fell while crossing a small river and hit her head, police said. Worried teaching staff used mobile phones to alert the PSNI as the victim drifted in and out of consciousness.

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Police the Coastguards then arranged for a military helicopter from Ballykelly to fly to the scene.

A mountain rescue team was also called out to assist.

A PSNI spokesman said: "The girl was picked up by the helicopter and flown to the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine."

The girl was treated for minor injuries and discharged later.

PA