Man injured in Tararuas found

An injured man who spent the night in the Tararua foothills behind Levin has been found by searchers.

Ambulance communications were called about 4pm yesterday regarding a 33-year-old Paraparaumu man apparently lying injured in foothills bush behind Levin.

Police search controller Noel Bigwood said yesterday the man had phoned his father after falling and injuring his ankle so he could not walk.

Horowhenua Search and rescue were later notified and a Search and Rescue base was set up at Levin Police Station.

Police said this morning the man had back, leg and head injuries which were not life-threatening.

A Westpac rescue helicopter was flying in to winch the man out of the area and take him to hospital.

- NZPA