A fisherman with a suspected broken ankle had to be airlifted from rocks at St Agnes Head yesterday.

St Agnes Coastguard search and rescue team were called out after a call from Falmouth coastguard at 2.10pm

The fisherman had fallen at a popular fishing spot on the headland and members of the team descended a steep path to locate and assess the fisherman's injuries.

The 58-year-old male visitor ended up 25ft up from the water after his fall, with a suspected broken ankle.

Paramedics also attended and were guided down to the casualty by coastguard officers.

A spokesman said: "With the casualty immobile and land exit routes difficult, a decision had to be reached on evacuation- land, sea or air.

"After ruling out stretcher recovery up the steep cliff, or lowering the casualty into a lifeboat, a helicopter rescue was decided on as the safest option.

"The helicopter rescue was carried out in an expert manner by Royal Navy Sea King R193 whilst the many inquisitive onlookers were kept at a safe distance by the rest of the team."

The casualty was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro to be treated.