Teenager dies following fall from cliffs at Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula

A teenage holidaymaker who was seriously injured after falling 40ft from a cliff and landing on rocks has died in hospital, police said today.

The boy, from Lowton near Warrington, Cheshire, was hurt yesterday afternoon when he fell at Cadgwith Cove on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall.

Falmouth Coastguard received a call from the ambulance service at 4.20pm telling them the teenager had fallen and had landed on rocks.

Members of the public on the beach attempted to give the boy first aid before the emergency services arrived.

Coastguard rescue officers from Porthleven and Mullion were sent to the scene, with a helicopter from RNAS Culdrose.

The boy, who has not been named, was airlifted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro for medical treatment but died later with his family at his bedside.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said of the victim: "He had been on holiday with his family.

"They remained at his bedside in hospital until he later died from injuries sustained.

"Police are now preparing a file on behalf of the coroner. The death is not being treated as suspicious."

James Instance, from Falmouth Coastguard, yesterday warned of the dangers of walking along coastal paths.

"We would like to remind the public if walking along the cliff or coastline to take care and make sure that you are properly equipped for walking along paths," he said.

"In particular, remember to wear sturdy shoes or boots and check the weather forecast before you set out.

"Do not attempt to climb up or down cliffs unless you are properly equipped and trained to do so.

"Do not attempt to climb cliffs as a shortcut back to the top. Do not attempt self-rescue.

"If you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the coastguard."

PA