Teen's South Shields cliff fall death could be investigated by police watchdogs

Chirelle Calder died after falling from cliffs at Marsden, off Coast Road, South Shields on Saturday morning.

Officers from Northumbria Police, along with other emergency services, attended the scene, but despite efforts to try and negotiate with the 17-year-old, she fell onto the rocks below.

Chirelle Calder. Picture supplied by family.

The teenager was taken to hospital by paramedics in a critical condition but sadly passed away.

Northumbria Police has revealed it has now referred the case to the Independents Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

The watchdog’s website states: “All death or serious injury matters (DSI) must be referred to the IPCC.

“A DSI matter means any circumstances in which a person has died or sustained serious injury and - had been arrested or was otherwise detained in custody at the time or had contact of any kind with a person serving with the police that may have caused or contributed to the death or serious injury.”

The IPCC will now look at details of the circumstances surrounding the death and will then decide on whether an investigation needs to take place.

A spokesman from Northumbria Police said: “A telephone referral was made to the IPCC on Sunday. A paper referral was then sent across on Monday.

“The IPCC has confirmed receipt of these.”

A spokesman from the IPCC confirmed to the Gazette that they had received Northumbria Police’s referral.

An online fundriasing page has been set up in Chirelle’s honour to try and raise cash for her funeral.

So far £569 of a £2,000 target has been raised.

Chirelle’s older sister Amy, 19, who lives in Stanley, County Durham said: “A friend of my mum’s has set the group up.

“Anything raised will be used towards helping with funeral costs.

“Chirelle was all about her friends, she loved them, she was a very generous person.

“She had hoped to work in child care and had completed a few courses, one at South Tyneside College, on this.”

To donate to the fund, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chirelle-calder?utm_id=106&utm_term=k97WANkjP.