AN EMERGENCY operation is under way in Northern Ireland after 70 Army cadets, aged between 12 and 17, got into difficulties in the Mourne Mountains.
Coastguard, ambulance and helicopter crews have been called to the scene. Medical staff are treating several children in the mountains where weather conditions are currently very poor.
Northern Ireland Coastguard have said on Facebook that 17 individuals are being treated for hypothermia and that many of them have 'lower leg injuries'.
They said that as many as 70 people may have gotten into difficulty.
The Coastguard added that three of their rescue helicopters and three teams have been despatched to the scene. The Mourne Mountain Rescue service and police are also attending.
Colin McGrath, an SDLP MLA, tweeted: "Major emergency incident in the Mournes with helicopter, coastguard, medical and ambulance responding.
“Up to a dozen emergency vehicles from different services have passed through the Main Street of Newcastle en route to the incident.
“An emergency helicopter has been overhead too. I wish all involved a safe resolution to the incident and hope that no one is seriously injured as a result.”
He added: "Please God all will be ok."
More as we get it.
