A 12-YEAR-OLD boy was airlifted to hospital after falling down a steep hill.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesman said the incident took place at The Coppice and an ambulance was called to Burnley Road, Accrington, near the Whitakers Arms at 7.45pm last night.

The spokesman said: "The boy had complained of back and head injuries and he was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool by an air ambulance.

"He was awake when the paramedics arrived.

"The emergency called was made by the boy's friend."