Beachgoers forced to crowd together after three seriously injured in cliff-jumping at Durdle Door
The injured are being treated and police are asking people to stay away from the popular tourist spot, which has been cleared.
Sunday 31 May 2020 10:21, UK
Three people have been seriously injured jumping off cliffs on the Jurassic Coast.
Dorset Police was called to the scene at about 3:45pm after reports of safety concerns for people jumping into the sea at Durdle Door, near Lulworth.
Three people have sustained serious injuries and are being treated by paramedics after air ambulances were called.
Police are asking people to stay away from the popular tourist spot, with lifeguards helping to clear the area.
Dorset Police Chief Inspector Claire Phillips said: "We have had to close the beach at Durdle Door to allow air ambulances to land. As a result, we are evacuating the beach and the surrounding cliff area.
"I am urging people to leave the area to enable emergency services to treat the injured people."
Images posted on social media by Purbeck Police show the aircraft landing on the sand and crowds leaving the beach as the area was evacuated.
Words accompanying the post read: "Please avoid Durdle Door as the beach is now closed due to two helicopters having to land for two separate incidents. Expect high volumes of traffic as beach goers depart from the scene. Thank you."
Pictures taken earlier on Saturday showed the beach busy as the public were reminded to practise social distancing in the good weather following the relaxation of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Videos posted to Twitter showed people jumping off the cliff, which is about 200ft high, as well as crowds of people sitting on the sand.
Durdle Door remained closed on Sunday and Dorset Police posted on social media: "Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove remain closed today along with approach roads to the area. Please do not travel as you will be turned away."
Dorset Council said it would review the closure on Monday.
The council tweeted: "You will not be able to visit the beaches there and will be asked to turn around if you try and access the villages."