Tragedy as man dies after van plunges off cliff in South Shields
The police and ambulance service have both issued statements.
A van has plunged off a cliff in a popular UK seaside town and onto the beach below, sparking a huge emergency services response. The incident occured at around 6am this morning in South Shields, Tyne and Wear.
Police have said a report of "concern for welfare" was made to them. Officers rushed to the area, alongside the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, the North East Ambulance Service, the Tynemouth RNLI, and the HM Coastguard. Pictures from the scene show Northumbria Police officers gathered on the cliffside.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Emergency services attended the scene and following a search involving multiple partner agencies, the body of a man in his 20s was sadly found.
"The man’s next of kin have been informed."
"The vehicle involved in the incident is currently being recovered from the scene," the Northumbria Police spokesperson added.
"There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the man’s death and a report is being prepared for the coroner."
Officers remain on the scene in the Marsden area, near the A183 Coast Road, after the incident.
Earlier today, North East Ambulance Service said in a statement: "We were called to the Marsden area at 6.10am following concerns for a person. We dispatched a clinical team leader and one ambulance crew."
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
