A KAYAKER has been rushed to hospital after suffering a 'severe leg fracture' when they were knocked by a wave.

Coastguard officers and paramedics were called to Chesil Cove, Portland, at 1.09pm yesterday afternoon to reports of an injured kayaker.

The man has been knocked from his kayak by a wave and, while trying to retrieve it, was hit by the kayak and suffered a lower leg fracture.

A spokesman for Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Team said: "The team was tasked by Solent Coastguard, along with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust paramedics, to Chesil Cove Portland to a male kayaker that had been knocked from his kayak by a wave and, on trying to retrieve it, being struck by the kayak sustaining a severe lower leg fracture.

"On the teams arrival we found the casualty had been assisted ashore by members of the public.

"The team provided casualty care until paramedics arrived on scene.

"The casualty was administered pain relief and an air splint was placed around the injured limb, before being placed into the teams stretcher and carried up the beach to the awaiting ambulance.

"Once the casualty was safely inside the ambulance and on route to Dorset County Hospital, the team stood down.

"We’d like the thank the members of the public who had assisted the gentleman prior to our arrival, and to wish him all the best in his recovery."