A MAN fell approximately 40ft from a cliff at Hengistbury Head this afternoon.

Emergency services rushed to the beauty spot shortly after 12noon following reports of the incident at the beauty spot.

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service confirmed it was called at 12.08pm and that the man had been airlifted to Southampton General Hospital.

“We were called at 12.08pm. A male in his 40’s had fallen and sustained a chest injury,” she added.

“He was conscious and complained of shoulder and rib pain. He had possibly fallen from up to 40ft.”

She said crews requested the assistance of Portland Coastguard and a helicopter was sent to take the man to hospital.

Dorset Police said it was called at 12.09pm and officers could be seen on the beach liaising with paramedics and coastguard staff.

The helicopter left the scene with the casualty shortly after 1pm.

A large mound of fallen rock and debris lay at the bottom of the cliff, but Bournemouth Borough Council said this was not related to the incident.