A WOMAN had to be pulled free from mud after a search and rescue mission was launched.

Coastguard teams, the fire brigade and ambulance service were called to Pagham Nature Reserve shortly after 6.30pm on Sunday.

The casualty had fallen down a bank from her bike and injured herself.

She had to be flown to hospital in the Coastguard Helicopter.

Images from the scene show the emergency response and the aircraft landing

Fire brigade crews from Bognor and Chichester were also sent to the scene along wit Coastguard teams from Selsey.

Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team said: “We were paged to reports of an injured person in the mud at the Pagham Nature Reserve near Pagham.

“The casualty had fallen from their bike down the bank and onto the mud injuring themselves. The ambulance service was also on scene where treatment and pain relief was given.

“We decided due to the location of the casualty it would be easier for the casualty to be taken to hospital by Coastguard Helicopter.

“Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 175 arrived on scene and the casualty was then transferred to the Helicopter via stretcher and was taken to St Richard’s Hospital at Chichester.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were also tasked and on scene.”