A CYCLIST who plunged approximately 40ft from a Bournemouth clifftop is believed to have suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Emergency services were involved in a major rescue operation following reports a man had fallen off the cliff at around 4.45pm on Thursday.

Around 30 people from the emergency services were involved in the dramatic rescue operation, which was hampered by thick sea mist.

Paramedics and Coastguard search and rescue officers scrambled up the cliff to reach the casualty.

A spokesman from the South Western Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 4.35pm to reports a man on a bike had gone over the edge of the cliff.

“He was conscious and breathing at the scene and is believed to have suffered a broken arm and suspected back injuries.

"His injuries are serious but not believed to be life-threatening."

The man, who is thought to be 45-years-old, was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment.

A spokesman from Dorset Police said the force is not investigating the incident.