Man taken to hospital with serious injuries after fall from South Shields cliffs

A man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after his fall from cliffs sparked a rescue operation.
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The emergency services were called to The Leas, in Marsden, shortly before 3.15pm today, Tuesday, June 23, after reports the man needed help following a fall.

It left him with injuries to his head, leg and pelvis which needed treatment at hospital.

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The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) was joined by Northumbria Police, an RNLI boat and lifeguards, South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade (SSVLB) and Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team on the scene.

Emergency crews on the scene of the incident on The Leas in South Shields.Emergency crews on the scene of the incident on The Leas in South Shields.
Emergency crews on the scene of the incident on The Leas in South Shields.

The Great North Air Ambulance was also called to the incident, with one of its helicopters landing on the clifftops, while the HM Coastguard’s Rescue 912 helicopter was also alerted and made checks over the area, but was not needed during the rescue.

A spokesperson for NEAS said: “We were called at 3.12pm to reports of an injured man near the Marsden Inn, on the Coast Road, in South Shields.

“We dispatched four crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (Hart) and a double crewed ambulance.

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“With support from the Coastguard, we were able to rescue the injured male and transported him to South Tyneside Hospital with leg, pelvis and head injuries.”

Witnesses have said they have seen the RNLI attend the incident.Witnesses have said they have seen the RNLI attend the incident.
Witnesses have said they have seen the RNLI attend the incident.

A spokesperson for the police added: “Shortly after 3.45pm today, police received a report that a man had fallen from the cliffs at Marsden, South Shields.

Emergency services attended and the man has now been taken to hospital with serious injuries.”

A spokesperson for the SSVLB said: “The team were tasked with our colleagues from Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team, Hart, NEAS, Rescue 912, the air ambulance and the South Shields lifeguards to a multi-agency incident at Marsden, after a report of a male falling from the cliff.

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“Our rope rescue technician was lowered with a Hart team member to assess the casualty.

Incident support units have been sent to the area.Incident support units have been sent to the area.
Incident support units have been sent to the area.

“Due to the incoming tide it was decided that the best means of extraction was via the Lifeguards Inshore Lifeboat and taken to Manhaven, he was then carried out to the ambulance.

“Our senior coastal operations officer was also present.

“We would like to convey our thanks to the lifeguards for their assistance.”

A message from the Editor:

The Great North Air Ambulance pictured as it arrived at the scene.The Great North Air Ambulance pictured as it arrived at the scene.
The Great North Air Ambulance pictured as it arrived at the scene.

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