Man killed after car plunges over cliff in Newquay

A man has been killed after his car fell off a cliff near to the Atlantic Hotel and Tea Caverns in Newquay.

Police were called at around 7.15am on Friday 7 June with reports of a car going over a cliff.

The coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter was deployed and fire and ambulance were also at the scene.

Police put a local cordon in place to allow the emergency services to work safely while they attempted to retrieve the driver.

It is understood the car landed just above the water line due to the tide going out.

The single male occupant was declared deceased at the scene and the body is being recovered and taken to Treliske hospital.

A police investigation will now be carried out to establish the circumstances of this incident.

A police spokesman said: “This was an isolated incident and there doesn’t appear to be any suspicious circumstances at this time.  No other vehicles were involved and there were no other casualties.

"Officers are now investigating what caused this incident and at this time we do not know whether there was a medical episode, a mechanical failure of some kind or if this was a deliberate act by the driver.  We must keep an open mind and carry out a thorough investigation."

There is as yet no confirmation of the man's name or whether his body has been identified.

Police are requesting that members of the public refrain from going close to the scene.  It is hindering the work being carried out by emergency services and they are putting themselves at risk.

Police are keen to hear from any witnesses, who are asked to call 101 and quote log 132 of 7 June 2013.