The body of a man in his 40s has been found inside a tent at the bottom of a cliff off Military Road, Police have confirmed.
Since first light, Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team and Needles Coastguard Rescue Team have been working with Police to recover the individual, taking up position on a remote stretch of cliff top along Public Footpath BS2 between Shepherd’s Chine and Grange Chine.
A tactical advisor from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has been assisting with the operation, alongside a Senior Coastal Operations Officer from HM Coastguard.
It comes after searches involving 2 helicopters overnight.
The National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter from Bournemouth was deployed to the area between Brighstone and Chale at around 23:00 last night (Wednesday), conducting a fairly focused search around Military Road. Then, at around 04:30 this morning, Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent arrived in the skies and carried out a short search of a similar area. The helicopter was stood down by 05:00.
It’s said that the body was discovered on the beach – understood to be inside a tent – at around 01:00 this morning.
Island Echo understands the male to be local.
A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has said:
“His next of kin have been informed and a file will be prepared for the coroner in relation to this unexpected death”.
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