RESIDENTS have left messages of support following the death of one of Bournemouth’s well-loved cliff goats.

Phoebe, a goat from the Bournemouth East Cliff herd, has passed away in her sleep at the age of thirteen.

The news was shared on the Bournemouth East Cliff Goats Facebook page on Tuesday morning.

Her owner, Mark, said: “She was getting very old, so it wasn’t unexpected.

“I’ve had her for thirteen years and I loved her dearly. She lived a great life.

“She was one of my favourites- I’ll miss her telling me off and coming to me for cuddles.”

Many residents were concerned Phoebe’s death was related to Monday evening’s cliff top fire near Boscombe Pier, but Mark has confirmed the cause of death was old age, and Phoebe had passed prior to the blaze.

“The fire wasn’t in the enclosure, but it was near it. We only lost about five or six metres of grazing on one end.

“I’d like to thank the fire brigade for all their hard work.”