Police release update on condition of injured Thomason Foss waterfall tombstoner

The 36-year-old, from Hull, was one of a large number of people who gathered at Thomason Foss, near Goathland in the North York Moors National Park, last Sunday during hot weather.

Several people were reported to be 'tombstoning' at the spot - jumping from the rocks into the pool below - and he was injured that afternoon.

He landed awkwardly and was suffering from breathing difficulties and a suspected back injury.

Almost 30 emergency services personnel including police, fire crews, paramedics and mountain rescue volunteers were involved in a challenging operation to airlift him out of the area.

The terrain and remote location made the extraction difficult.

He was flown to Hull Royal Infirmary for treatment. Police confirmed that he has now been discharged and his injuries are not thought to be serious.

North Yorkshire Police had dispersed a group of around 200 youths from Thomason Foss earlier in the day, including several who became abusive when asked to extingush a disposable barbecue.

The scenic waterfall near Beck Hole was one of several trouble spots in the countryside where young people from urban areas gathered to hold illegal 'lockdown parties' during the warm May weather.

On two consecutive weekends, issues including drunken behaviour, littering, fouling, parking offences and irresponsible barbecue use were all reported at Thomason Foss and in Goathland. A clearway had to be put into operation to stop roadside parking and detritus including nitrous oxide canisters, beer bottles, clothing, towels, inflatable toys, nappies and even soiled underwear was left at the site.

Other locations that experienced similar problems with large gatherings of youths included Richmond Falls on the River Swale, the River Wharfe at Ilkley, Burnsall in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Threshfield Quarry near Grassington, which has now been drained to prevent swimmers entering the water.