A MENTALLY ill woman who is believed to have jumped off a 50ft bridge is seriously ill in hospital.

The 31-year-old woman from Bath, who has not been named, is thought to have deliberately jumped off the viaduct at Limpley Stoke just before 4pm on Saturday.

The woman fell onto Monkton Combe School's playing field, where the school doctor, who was watching a rugby game nearby, rushed to her aid. Headteacher Michael Cuthbertson said: "A woman jumped from the parapet of the A36 viaduct bridge onto Monkton Combe school property.

"Appropriate medical assistance was provided by the school doctor and medical centre sister, who happened to be watching rugby nearby.

"She was then taken by helicopter to hospital. We are obviously very sad that this incident occurred and we extend our sympathy.

"The woman was from the general public and in no way connected with the school."

Det Sgt Pete Auburn from Melksham police confirmed the women was mentally ill and said: "We believe she did it deliberately."

The woman suffered a fractured skull, serious chest injuries and damaged lungs.

She was unconscious but stable in hospital yesterday morning.