A MAJOR rescue operation was launched after a man with a bike plunged 40 feet down a cliff in Bournemouth on Thursday afternoon. 

Emergency services were called to the East Cliff, near the zig zag path, at around 4.45pm following reports a man on a bike had gone over the cliff-edge. 

Around 30 firefighters, coastguard search and rescue officers, paramedics and police officers were called to the scene, which was submerged under a thick sea mist throughout the dramatic rescue.

The coastguard helicopter was also drafted in to help but had to be stood down due to the poor weather conditions. 

Using specialist rescue equipment, the teams lowered the casualty down the cliff on a stretcher.
Dorset Fire and Rescue Service led the rescue operation.

Steve Underhill, district commander for Springbourne and Westbourne, said: “The fire brigade received a call just before 5pm to a male who had gone over the cliff next to the Red Arrows Monument. 

"When we got there, two people were on location with the casualty who was approximately 40ft down from the clifftop. 

“They had scrambled up to ensure he didn’t come to any further harm. 

“We sent two firefighters up to assist on the clifftop and carry out an assessment.” 

The teams used specialist ropes to transfer the casualty to the beach below. Mr Underhill added: “We got the aerial platform ladder from Westbourne which came and assisted in recovering the casualty on a stretcher down to the waiting ambulance.”

A spokesman from Dorset Police said the casualty, who is believed to be in his forties, suffered a suspected back injury. He was transferred to Poole Hospital for treatment. The extent of his injuries has so far not been released. 

Local residents said they were shocked after the emergency services flooded the scene. 
One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “We saw all the flashing lights. No one knew what had happened.”

Caesar Soares, who is visiting the town, said he saw the man with the bike shortly before the incident. 
“We came back and saw what had happened,” he added. “We couldn’t believe it.”