A BOY was taken to hospital with a head injury after coming off his bike on a steep slope at a city nature reserve.

The boy received treatment at the scene from paramedics after the crash yesterday afternoon, at Perry Wood Local Nature Reserve, off Redfern Avenue.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said the incident happened at 3.30pm about 50 yards into the woods, when the boy crashed while going down the slope leaving him unconscious.

The youngster was anaesthetised and taken on blue lights to a paediatric major trauma centre after crashing.

The air ambulance with a doctor and critical care paramedic on board, as well as an ambulance and a paramedic officer, attended to treat the boy.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The incident happened on a steep slope about 50 yards into the woods when the boy crashed while going down the slope leaving him unconscious.

“The boy suffered a head injury.

"After being assessed by the doctor, the decision was taken to anaesthetise the youngster before he was taken on blue lights by road to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

"While it is clearly a matter for the individual or their parent/guardian, our view is that a cycle helmet can help prevent injury and could have resulted in a different outcome in this case."