Teenagers Airlifted Off Dartmoor

A group of 14-year-old boys were airlifted to safety by police helicopter after becoming lost in low cloud while walking on Dartmoor.

It is understood that the teenagers, from a school in Wiltshire, were practising for the annual Ten Tors trek across the national park when they became disoriented on Sunday afternoon.

The boys called police shortly after 4.30pm and were later found by a police helicopter near Great Kneeset in the north-west of the remote Devon upland area.

"The boys, who were overdue in meeting up with their teachers, realised that they needed assistance and sensibly stopped walking in the worsening conditions," a police statement said.

"The helicopter crew searched the moor in the area of Hangingstone Hill and located the boys safe and well near Great Kneeset.

"As the conditions were deteriorating fast the helicopter lifted the boys and their kit from the moor, making two flights to and from Okehampton military camp, where they were reunited with their teachers.

"With the annual Ten Tors event approaching, this is a timely reminder that conditions on the moor can change very quickly.

"It is important that any walkers take appropriate precautions with regard to the kit they are carrying and ensuring their route card is left with a responsible person. In the event of getting lost, disorientated or injured, always remain together as a group."

(H/CD)