Yahoo News Cliff-jumpers return to 'closed' beach the day after it was shut following injuries
Scores of cliff-jumpers have flocked to a beach in Dorset the day after it was closed on Saturday following three injuries.
A man in his early 20s was left fighting for his life after being pulled unconscious from the sea by two members of the public having fallen 200ft from the cliffs at Durdle Door, Dorset.
A second man, aged about 25, suffered serious spinal injuries and was evacuated by air ambulance - while a third man reportedly broke his leg during a dive.
Dorset Police said in a statment on Saturday evening that the beach would be closed following the incidents.
Please avoid Durdle Door and the Lulworth area. The beach has been CLOSED due to two helicopters having to land for two separate incidents. High volumes of traffic as beach goers depart from the scene.
Thank you @TravelDorset pic.twitter.com/8BYrV7iGXy— Dorset Council UK (@DorsetCouncilUK) May 30, 2020
But pictures emerging on Sunday not only showed people returning to the supposedly closed beach, but also revealed that a number of those on the beach had been cliff-jumping.
So-called tombstoners could be seen jumping from the 200ft high sea arch again despite the dangers.
Chief Inspector Claire Phillips, of Dorset Police, said on Saturday: “We have had to close the beach at Durdle Door to allow air ambulances to land. As a result, we are evacuating the beach and the surrounding cliff area.
“I am urging people to leave the area to enable emergency services to treat the injured people.”
Dorset Police also tweeted on Sunday morning saying: “Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove remain closed today along with approach roads to the area. Please do not travel as you will be turned away.”
Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) posted on Facebook that people had been jumping from the arch "encouraged by the crowds on the beach" on Saturday.
As well as the three injured men, police had to deal with alcohol-fuelled minor scuffles.
A woman also suffered a suspected broken ankle on Saturday and there was a small but out of control fire from a BBQ.
"Upsetting scenes like we and many others witnessed yesterday illustrate how very dangerous tombstoning is. We couldn't discourage it enough," the CRT said.
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