A 25-YEAR-old man is fighting for his life in hospital after being found at the bottom of steps beside Lendal Bridge in York.

North Yorkshire Police taped off the bridge over the river Ouse and Dame Judi Dench Walk at about 3am and remain at the scene.

A forensics officer in a white suit has arrived at the scene and is examining the stairwell leading down from the river to Dame Judi Dench Walk. 

Forensics have also been seen photographing the bridge area.

A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said a man had suffered serious head injuries and was taken to the Leeds General Infirmary by paramedics.

Anyone who was in the area at about 3am is urged to contact York Serious Crime Team urgently on 101.

First York are diverting their services and have posted further details on Twitter @FirstYork.

It tweeted: "All services now suffering heavy delays due to Lendal Bridge closure & all traffic diverting through city centre."

Drivers are being warned to expect delays this morning.

Coastliner just tweeted:

@yorkbus: ⚠ Lendal Bridge, York is closed to all traffic. This will have an impact on our route trough York City Centre. Updates to follow...

At about 11.45am, the cordon was reduced to the footpath on one side of the bridge, and the approach to Dame Judi Dench Walk.

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "Police attended the scene at 3.03am Friday 17 February, where a man had been found with serious injuries at the bottom of the steps on Dame Judi Dench Walk, Lendal Bridge in York.

"The 25-year-old man from London has been taken to LGI where he remains in a critical condition.

"Lendal Bridge is currently closed whilst police conduct an investigation to determine the full circumstances of the incident."

  • Anyone who witnessed anything which would be helpful to the investigation is asked to contact police on 101, select option 1 and speak to the Force Control Room. Please quote reference 12170027352.