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Girl's terror on the cliff face
A TERRIFIED Sunderland schoolgirl was plucked to safety from a 90ft cliff face in a dramatic rescue by emergency services.
The 12-year-old, from Pennywell, became trapped when she and a group of friends risked their lives by scrambling 30ft down to a ledge on Claxheugh Rocks in South Hylton.
Sixteen firefighters, Sunderland Coastguard and paramedics were called to rescue the girl after she panicked and was too scared to climb back up.
The 90-minute rescue operation – which is set to cost the taxpayer thousands of pounds – has sparked a warning to local youngsters about the dangers of climbing on cliffs.
A special fire brigade rope rescue team had to be called in from Hebburn to reach the trapped girl, who has not been named.
A firefighter was lowered down to the youngster and she was carried to the bottom of the cliff, where she was checked over by paramedics.
It is not known how long the girl was trapped on the cliff face. She was shaken but uninjured by the drama.
Station officer Mick Battle, from Sunderland central fire station, said the youngsters had put themselves at risk by climbing down to the ledge.
He said: "The area is riddled with paths and ledges and what looks like an easy access doesn't always prove the case.
"The girl had climbed down and got herself in a precarious situation. It was a mixture of nerves and actual physical danger.
"It was quite a steep face. A firefighter, using specialist line rescue equipment, lowered himself down from the top of the cliff.
"He attached the girl to his harness and carried on down to the bottom of the cliff, where the ambulance was.
"During the rescue, we had someone as close as possible to her, shouting up to reassure her.
"She was frightened and shaken but had no physical injuries."
Two fire engines from Sunderland central fire station and three, including a special rescue tender, from Hebburn were called out at about 8pm lyesterday and worked with a six-strong team from Sunderland Coastguard.
Claxheugh Rocks is believed to be a popular hangout for local youths.
Deputy station officer Martin Routledge, of Sunderland Coastguard, said: "Road access to the cliff top was very difficult.
"We were able to use our four-wheel drive rescue vehicle to good effect by transporting members of the fire service's line rescue team and their equipment to the scene."
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Weather for Sunderland
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
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