Rochdale man and dog survive 200ft cliff fall

A 53-year-old man from Rochdale and his dog have survived after falling 200ft down a cliff near Scarborough.

The incident happened at 4.10pm on Monday (16 May) at Little Cliff, just north of Cloughton. It is understood the man was trying to rescue his dog.

The man, who is believed to be on holiday in the area, was located in an awkward position at the bottom of the cliff. After a difficult operation, he was picked up by a helicopter from RAF Leconfield and airlifted to Scarborough General Hospital for treatment, where he remains.

Fortunately, his injuries were not life-threatening and he escaped with a broken femur and a broken wrist.

Inspector Bruce Prendergast, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "It is absolutely remarkable that this man has survived a 200ft fall down the cliff face and escaped with injuries that are serious but not life-threatening.

"It is testament to the hard work and bravery of the Coastguard and helicopter crew, who managed to extract the man from the bottom of the cliff in difficult circumstances, that he and his dog survived."

Police do not believe that there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.