A WOMAN has died after going over a cliff at Swanage.

A multi-agency rescue mission was co-ordinated on Saturday afternoon after a member of the public saw a woman fall at Peveril Point.

Police officers, HM Coastguard incuding the helicopter and the ambulance service attended.

A local woman aged in her 50s was airlifted from the cliffs by the coastguard helicopter and taken to a safe place where she was treated by paramedics.

She sustained very serious head and chest injuries and was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital by the air ambulance.

Her condition at the time of rescue was said to be life-threatening.

Sadly, police confirmed that the woman died from her injuries yesterday morning.

A spokesman said: "We are very sorry to have to inform you that the lady passed away from her injuries."

Chief Inspector Bob Acaster, of Dorset Police, said: “Emergency services worked hard in very difficult weather to rescue the woman from the cliff and bring her to safety.”

The Swanage Coastguard said on their website on Sunday moring: "Emergency services responded to a concern for welfare this afternoon following reports a woman had gone over the cliffs at Peveril Point.

"Coastguard Rescue Officers from Swanage and St Albans were tasked along with Dorset Police Officers and the Ambulance Service.

"A local woman aged in her 50s was airlifted from the cliffs by the Coastguard helicopter and taken to King George's field where she was treated by Paramedics."

The emergency services have been praised for their efforts in rescuing the woman, despite atrocious weather conditions.