Charlotte Newton A 29-year-old man suffered serious head injuries in a sledging accident at Alexandra Palace this morning. It is understood that the man, who has not been named, was sledging with a friend at 2.30am today when he hit a tree. Two ambulance

Charlotte Newton

A 29-year-old man suffered serious head injuries in a sledging accident at Alexandra Palace this morning.

It is understood that the man, who has not been named, was sledging with a friend at 2.30am today when he hit a tree.

Two ambulances and a fast response car attended Ally Pally. Medics treated the injured man at the scene.

He was then taken to the Royal Free Hospital where he is said to be in a critical condition.

A spokesman for the London Ambulance Service (LAS) said: "We were called to Alexandra Palace just after 2.30am this morning to reports of a sledging accident. We sent two ambulance crews and a responder in a car.

"The patient had suffered serious head injuries and was treated at the scene before being taken to the Royal Free Hospital."

A spokeswoman for Haringey Police added: "It is believed that the 29-year-old had been sledging and had collided with a tree, suffering head injuries."

The London Ambulance Service received double the number of normal calls this morning because of people falling on icy pavements. Telephone operators in the 999 control room handled up to 300 calls an hour.

Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer John Pooley said: "We're seeing an increase in calls where people have slipped or fallen over so please be careful. The roads might be relatively clear but the pavements are very slippery.

"After the snow, ice is the major issue and I'd urge people to take extra care when they're out and about, and to dress appropriately."

He urged residents to only dial 999 in an emergency. Anyone with minor illnesses or injuries can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for advice, or visit a pharmacy or NHS Walk-in centre.