A HOLIDAYMAKER died after falling from rocks while climbing at a Dorset beauty spot.

Emergency services, including Dorset Police, Lulworth Coastguard and Kimmeridge Coastguard, were called to Stair Hole near to Lulworth Cove at 6.30pm on Sunday.

The man, aged in his 40s and from the Bedfordshire area, received medical treatment from paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dorset Police is currently carrying out investigations and the death has been referred to Dorset Coroner's Service.

Witnesses at the scene spoke of a heavy emergency services presence and told how the man's family were consoled by police officers and members of the coastguard.

Dorset Echo: Emergency services including an air ambulance landed at Stair Hole after a man fell at the Dorset beauty spot. Picture: Georgina RichardsEmergency services including an air ambulance landed at Stair Hole after a man fell at the Dorset beauty spot. Picture: Georgina Richards

One resident, who did not want to be named, said there were at least 10 emergency vehicles in attendance.

He said: “A few locals who wandered down came back and reported to us what had happened.

“We heard someone was climbing up Stair Hole and appeared to fall into the water and landed on rocks.

“The friends and family with him rushed to the visitor centre and called 999. This was when the services rushed to the scene.

“They were there within five minutes, which is quick considering that it’s normally a 15 minute wait. They arrived and performed CPR but were unable to revive him.”

Dorset Echo: Police car and ambulance at Stair Hole. Picture: Georgina RichardsPolice car and ambulance at Stair Hole. Picture: Georgina Richards

He praised the police officers and coastguard crews who comforted the man’s family.

He said there was a strong police presence in the Lulworth area yesterday as more holidaymakers continue to visit the beauty spot.

Another witness said: “The emergency services did all that they could. I hope the man’s family and friends are being well supported at this difficult time.”

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said: “Dorset Police received a report at around 6.30pm on Sunday, July 18 that a man had fallen off rocks at Stair Hole near to Lulworth Cove in the Purbeck area.

“Officers attended the incident together with other emergency services. Very sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“His family has been informed and the coroner has been notified. There were no suspicious circumstances.”

Dorset Echo: Stair Hole, Dorset. Stair Hole, Dorset.

A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard confirmed that crews were sent to the scene including a coastguard helicopter.

She said: “A 999 call was received at around 6.30pm yesterday (July 18) after a man fell from Stair Hole near Lulworth Cove.

“The Lee-on-Solent helicopter, Weymouth RNLI lifeboat and the Lulworth and Kimmeridge Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent.

“Dorset Police and South West Ambulance Service Trust also attended.”

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