Man killed in 650ft fall down mountain in Lake District

A man has been killed in the Lake District after plunging 650ft (200m) down a mountain.

The 24-year-old man is believed to have been hiking with a companion on Helvellyn - the third highest peak in the country - when he lost his footing and plummeted to his death. Patterdale Mountain Rescue team (MRT) said that he fell from Striding Edge into Nethermost Cove.

His walking companion was given a lift to Patterdale to raise the alarm because there was no phone signal.

A Royal Air Force Sea King helicopter was dispatched as part of a rescue mission along with search and rescue dogs and mountain rescue teams from Patterdale and Penrith. He was found to have suffered fatal injuries. The operation, on Friday, lasted for more than four hours.

Patterdale MRT leader Mike Blakey said: "This is a tragic incident involving the loss of a young life. Our thoughts are with the young man's walking companion, friends and family at this difficult time."

Striding Edge is a renowned ridge that flanks the south eastern passage to Helvellyn. It is a notorious accident spot on the mountain.