A man has tragically died after falling approximately 100 feet from a cliff at Fisherman's Walk in Bournemouth, a popular Dorset beach, on Friday, June 26. The incident occurred during a heatwave when the beach was crowded with visitors.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Incident
Beachgoers were left 'screaming' in horror as they witnessed the man plunge onto the sand below. Emergency services had already been called to the scene due to concerns about the man's welfare. Officers were speaking to him when he fell, and he was sadly 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.' They then spotted the man at the top of the cliff moments before he fell, describing the sight as 'terrifying' and 'very, very sad'.
Police Investigation and IOPC Referral
The man's death is not being treated as suspicious, but Dorset Police has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because officers were already present at the time of the fall. A Dorset Police spokesperson said: 'The man is yet to be formally identified. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner. As police were already in attendance when the fall happened, a referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as is standard in incidents of this nature.'
Support for Those Affected
For anyone affected by this incident or in need of mental health support, the Samaritans can be contacted for free on 116 123, via email at jo@samaritans.org, or by visiting samaritans.org.
