A CHILD had to be airlifted to hospital after suffering serious head injuries in a 15-foot fall at a school.

Emergency services were called to Manor CE Academy in York at about 11.35am on Friday.

The child, believed to be a Year Nine pupil aged about 13, was reported to have fallen and hit their head.

It is believed the youngster fell backwards from a bannister dropped 15 feet down a stairwell.

Principal Simon Barber said the accident happened at the start of morning break.

"Paramedics were immediately called who sent for the air ambulance and he was taken to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment where he was joined by his parents,” he said.

"No one else was harmed and we are providing our full support to all pupils who witnessed the incident. Our thoughts are with our pupil and his family at this time."

The Health and Safety Executive were called to the scene, but a spokeswoman said they were no longer investigating the incident.