WATCH: Rescue crew airlift injured mountain biker to safety in howling gale

A mountain biker was lifted to safety in a gale after falling from his bike at Dovestone reservoir, Saddleworth Credit: MEN Media

A dramatic video shows the moment an injured mountain biker was airlifted to safety during a howling gale.

The air ambulance had to battle against rain, snow and sleet as it winched the cyclist to safety on a stretcher.

The man, thought to be in his 40s, suffered leg injuries after falling off his bike near Dovestone reservoir in Saddleworth this afternoon.

Police and Oldham Mountain Rescue were called to the scene, on the slopes of a hill known as Alphin Pike, and performed first aid on the man until the air ambulance could attend.

The remote area is popular with walkers and mountain bikers.

Matt Neild, Oldham Mountain Rescue team leader, said:

Greater Manchester Police Saddleworth tweeted a number of pictures and videos from the scene.