A man has died after falling from a 100ft cliff in Dorset during the ongoing heatwave. Emergency services were called to Fisherman’s Walk in Bournemouth on June 26 after concerns were raised about the man’s welfare. Officers began speaking to him, but he soon fell from the height and died at the scene. He has not yet been formally identified.
Police refer themselves to watchdog
Dorset Police confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious, but because officers were present at the time of the fall, a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as standard procedure. A 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 IOPC as is standard in incidents of this nature.”
Witnesses describe the incident
One witness told the Dorset Echo: “I was on the beach directly opposite, getting myself organised and I looked up and saw movement.” The man then suddenly fell, leaving onlookers who had come to the beach during the heatwave “screaming.” Police have urged witnesses not to share any footage of the fall online.
Samaritans are available 24/7 for anyone in distress. You can call them for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org for more information.
