A TEEN hiking a mountain had to be rushed to hospital after being struck by a sheep that fell off the side of the slope.

The incident happened on Slieve Bearnagh in the Mourne Mountains in Down at about 4:15pm yesterday

3 The Mourne Mountain Rescue Team were called to the scene yesterday Credit: MOURNE MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM

It is believed the male the hiker was walking with a group near the Hare’s Gap when a sheep fell from a crag and struck him.

Mountain rescue were called to the scene and the hiker was assessed and treated for a range of potential injuries including head, neck, back, abdominal and leg injuries.

He was taken to the Ulster Hospital’s emergency department, treated and discharged.

Seventeen rescuers from the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team (MMRT) were involved in treating the youth and transporting him from the mountain.

3 The boy was rescued from the mountain after the sheep fell on him Credit: Alamy

A statement from MMRT said: “The team received a request for assistance from an injured walker.

"The male youth was walking with a group in the vicinity of the Hares Gap when hit by a sheep falling from an adjacent crag.

"The team responded and located the casualty on steep ground on Slieve Bearnagh.

“The casualty was assessed and treated for a range of potential injuries including head, neck, back, abdominal and leg injuries.

3 The sheep was not injured in the fall (Stock image) Credit: Alamy

MOST READ IN NEWS DANGER ZONE Martin warns city Covid lockdowns option for Cork, Waterford, Limerick & Galway Latest COVID UPDATE 326 cases & no deaths as 'every chance' other areas will have to go to level 3 whopping win Lotto punters in Kilkenny urged to check tickets after massive €5m jackpot win green light Four countries on new Green List but 3 require quarantine and 1 has no airport XMAS CASH WAIT No decision on social welfare Christmas Bonus just weeks from Budget 2021 Exclusive VICTIMS' HEARTACHE Family of dad murdered in unprovoked attack say 'hearts are broken'

"When packaged, the casualty was evacuated by stretcher to track access and a team vehicle.

“After a short transfer to road access, the casualty was handed over to NIAS for further treatment and the onward journey to Hospital.

"17 members responded and stood down at 2000 hours. For information, we believe the sheep was uninjured and left the area unaided."