The air ambulance landed at the scene
Olivier Vergnault Senior Reporter
07:57, 13 Jul 2026Updated 08:01, 13 Jul 2026
Emergency services including Devon Air Ambulance rescuing a boy at Spitchwick on the River Dart on Dartmoor after he is understood to have fallen from a cliff(Image: Sean Hills )
A teenage boy was airlifted to hospital after falling into a river at a Dartmoor beauty spot.
The child dived into the water at Spitchwick on Dartmoor, a popular swimming spot on the River Dart.
It is understood that the road near Newbridge Hill was closed for an hour while emergency services rescued the boy. The incident happened at around 12pm on Saturday, July 11, with the Devon Air Ambulance being on scene 15 minutes later.
One eyewitness said the boy slipped from the top whilst cliff jumping.
They added: “The response was quick with lots of help turning up including Dartmoor rangers, Devon and Cornwall Police and paramedics the roads were closed for an hour but all back to normal now.”
Sharing details of the incident on their Facebook page, Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team – Ashburton, said: “We were called on Saturday 11 July to assist following the report of a child hurt diving in to the river at Spitchwick.
“Team members deployed to help evacuate the 12 year old boy by stretcher a short distance to a Devon Air Ambulance Trust helicopter.
“As it was a hot day, the popular swimming and picnic spot was busy.
“Emergency vehicles needed to block the lane, so team members controlled traffic to the access road until the air ambulance had departed.
“We wish the child a speedy recovery.”