A WOMAN rescued by lifeboat crews from the sea at Redcar was today said to be in a critical condition in hospital.

She was seen to walk towards the water near the cinema, just before 4pm on Monday, before being knocked down by a wave.

Police said she was critically ill and added that there were no suspicious circumstances, and that inquiries are ongoing.

A member of Redcar Lifeboat Station pulled the woman to safety and administered CPR until an RAF Sea King helicopter landed on the beach and airlifted her to hospital.