Operation Lion Rock

Waitakere CIB is investigating an incident early this morning in which two males fell more than 20 metres on Lion Rock, at Piha.

Police say the incident happened at about 12.20am Wednesday 24 February 2010. Emergency services immediately went to the scene after information was received that two males had fallen onto the rocks below and that both men were seriously injured.

Both men were transported to Auckland Hospital by Westpac Rescue Helicopter and their condition is described as critical.

One of the men is aged 18 years. The other is aged 31 years.

Police say they have yet to fully determine the events that took place at the scene prior to the incident.

A team of investigators is en route to Piha to carry out a full scene examination. Specialist rescue personnel have been called in to assist with accessing the top of Lion Rock and the difficult nearby terrain.

There will no further police comment until later today.