Social distancing proved impossible this afternoon as two emergency helicopters landed to treat three seriously injured people on a small beach in Dorset.
In total, four people were hurt when they jumped from the Durdle Door arch – which is around 200 feet tall – just before 4pm this afternoon, according to Dorset Police.
The incident saw the hundreds of people gathered together to provide space for the responding helicopters to land – but it meant social distancing went out the window. People evacuated the beach in their droves.
#LatestNews – Public urged to avoid the area at Durdle Door in Purbeck
Emergency services are currently in attendance to deal with a number of casualties.
Read more: https://t.co/zC2zxIjnF7
— Dorset Police (@dorsetpolice) May 30, 2020
A police spokesperson said: “Officers and partner agencies are dealing with a critical incident at Durdle Door. The incident involved people jumping from the arch into the sea. 4 people have been injured as a result. They are receiving Medical attention.
“Emergency Services are trying to deal with the incident. We ask please that you avoid the area for the rest of the day. If you are currently at the location, please calmly make your way home so we can ensure effective service delivery.
“The arch of Durdle Door is approximately 200 feet in height. Hitting water from that height can be critical. This is further compounded by tides, currents and altering depth of the sea bed. It is not an appropriate location for this type of activity.”
