Pensioner dies in cliff plunge

10:11am Friday 29th August 2008

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A Banbury pensioner died after his 4x4 plunged over Beachy Head in Sussex - despite rescue workers' attempts to stop him driving off the cliff.

The 77-year-old, who was killed when his Toyota Rav 4 went over the cliffs near Eastbourne on Monday, has been identified as Geoffrey Monk, of Broughton Road, Banbury.

It is understood that Mr Monk's vehicle landed upside down in the sea, and that members of Eastbourne Cliff Rescue Team were recovering another body at the time, further along the beach.

Eastbourne coroner's officer Robin Emery said: "Rescue workers at the top of the cliff very bravely got in front of Mr Monk's car to try to stop him driving over but he just kept going.

"A post mortem has been carried out which showed that Mr Monk suffered multiple injuries.

"An inquest has been opened and adjourned and full inquest will be held in a few months' time."

The first man found under the cliffs, who has not been identified, is believed to be aged between 20 and 30, and may have drowned rather than fallen to his death. He is thought to have been in the water for several days.