A MAN is fighting for his life after being rescued from a North-East pier.

It is believed the 30-year-old victim collapsed after taking the drug Ecstasy on Tynemouth Pier.

Police and paramedics were called to the pier at 2am yesterday.

They found a group of men had climbed over the gates and were on the pier. But officers were unable to get through the gates, which had been locked for the night.

The force helicopter was called and landed at Tynemouth Priory, where it picked up a paramedic, who was then lowered onto the pier.

The paramedic treated the man, while firefighters were called to cut open the gates. The victim was then rushed to Newcastle General Hospital, where he is described as critically ill.

Police are releasing few details about the incident, but a spokesman said. "It is believed that drugs may be involved and the man is in a critical condition.