Trapped for 12 Hours Under Fallen Tree: Rescue in Remote West Cornwall Woodland

Dog unit finds missing man pinned in forest overnight

A man in his 70s was rescued in the early hours of Sunday morning after being trapped under a fallen tree for more than 12 hours in a remote woodland in West Cornwall.

The alarm was raised at around 10.30pm on Saturday 10th May, after the man failed to return home. He had gone out at approximately 1.30pm to chop wood and had not been seen since.

Search launched across rural woodland

Police began an urgent search operation, deploying officers on foot and dog units across a large area of countryside. Thick tree cover made it difficult for the National Police Air Service helicopter to assist.

At around 12.40am, a dog unit located the man pinned to the ground by a felled tree deep in the woodland. He had been trapped there for around 12 hours.

Officers quickly co-ordinated the response from specialist fire and ambulance crews, who faced difficult access to reach the scene. The man was eventually freed and brought to safety, having suffered only minor injuries.

“Officers’ actions helped save this man’s life”

Superintendent Ian Thompson, who leads the police teams in West Cornwall, praised the efforts of everyone involved:

“It is without doubt that officers’ actions helped to save this man’s life. From the staff in the control room who supported by co-ordinating police teams on the ground, to officers searching on foot and to those who assisted with the difficult task of getting other emergency services to the remote location, they all played a vital part on the day.

“I’d like to thank all the officers and staff involved in the search. They were faced with difficult terrain and challenging circumstances, but their determination and persistence led to this positive outcome.”

Advice to the public

Superintendent Thompson added:

“If you can, always let someone know where you’re going and what time you expect to be back, especially when visiting rural areas.

“You do not have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing. If you have concerns, please report it to the police. We are here to protect you and your loved ones.”

If someone is in immediate danger, is a young child or vulnerable to harm, call 999.

You can report someone missing by calling 101 or filling out the online form on the Devon & Cornwall Police website.