A man has died after plummeting 100ft from a cliff in Bournemouth as horrified beachgoers enjoying the heatwave watched in terror. Emergency services were called to Fisherman's Walk yesterday after concerns were raised over the man's welfare. Officers began speaking to him, but he soon fell and was pronounced dead at the scene.
One eyewitness told the Dorset Echo: 'I was on the beach directly opposite, getting myself organised and I looked up and saw movement.' Moments later, the man plunged onto the sand, leaving onlookers 'screaming'. The witness described the sight as 'terrifying' and 'very, very sad'.
“A man died after falling 100ft from a cliff in Bournemouth as police spoke to him, triggering an IOPC referral.”
The man has not yet been formally identified. Dorset Police confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious, but the force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. 'As police were already in attendance when the fall happened, a referral was made to the IOPC as is standard in incidents of this nature,' a spokesperson said. A file will be prepared for HM Coroner.
Police have urged witnesses not to share any footage of the fall online. For mental health support, the Samaritans can be reached for free on 116 123.