Safety warning after cliff death

Cliff edge safety warnings have been repeated

The death of a man in a 275ft fall in the Isle of Wight has prompted renewed warnings about the dangers of straying too close to cliffs.

Police named the 39-year-old man, who died near Afton, as Ian Arthur Miller, from Essex.

It is believed Mr Miller had been searching for his pet dog when he plunged over the cliffs onto the beach below.

There was a second incident on the island on Tuesday when a teenager had to be rescued.

We advise people not to go on their own when walking near cliffs, particularly as they are still so unstable due to the past year's weather

Mike Greiner, coastguard

Mr Miller, of South Woodham, near Chelmsford, was reported missing by his wife after he failed to return from the search for the dog, which he thought had gone over cliffs at nearby Compton Chine.

Mr Miller's body was found on the beach below the cliffs and winched back up by a coastguard helicopter.

He was later airlifted by coastguard helicopter to St Mary's Hospital, Newport, but was confirmed dead.

Police are appealing for witnesses to try to discover his last movements.

Inquest opening

The family dog was later found alive and taken to a vet.

An inquest into Mr Miller's death is expected to be opened later this week or early next week.

In the second incident, coastguard crews rescued the14-year-old boy after he became stuck on cliffs at Whale Chine.

He was taken to St Mary's Hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

Solent coastguards later highlighted the dangers of walking near cliffs, and what precautions to take when people become stuck.

Darkness warning

Acting watch manager, Mike Greiner, said: "We advise people not to go on their own when walking near cliffs, particularly as they are still so unstable due to the past year's weather.

"We strongly advise against walking in such areas when it is dark, and stress the importance of letting someone know where you are going."

He said people walking near cliffs should wear suitable clothing and footwear, and take an item such as a whistle or mobile phone to attract attention if they get into difficulties.