Autumn cliff fall is still a mystery

A WOMAN who suffered serious head injuries when she plunged from a cliff remains in hospital almost four months on.

Mystery still surrounds how the 33-year-old came to fall from the car park at the Spanish Battery, in Tynemouth.

Police arrested a 25-yearold man following the incident, which happened in October.

And today officers have confirmed the investigation is ongoing as the woman’s treatment in hospital continues.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “The victim remains in a stable condition in hospital. A 25-year-old man remains under investigation with inquiries ongoing.”

Police were called to the area at around 10.55pm on Saturday October 31. It was reported that a woman had fallen and suffered serious injuries.

She was taken to hospital, where her condition was initially assessed as being ‘critical.’

A man was arrested and released under investigation after questioning.

Police have also traced a ‘Good Samaritan’ who gave the woman first aid after she fell.

The Spanish Battery Car Park is situated on a clifftop on the road between Tynemouth Priory and Collingwood Monument.

In the days after the incident, people living in the small number of houses nearby told The Chronicle that the area was cordoned off by police for most of the next day, November 1.

One local resident said forensics officers were paying particular attention to a seat close to the cliff edge.

Betty Morgan said: “I saw the flashing lights on Saturday night, then when I got up in the morning I saw all the police and it was all taped off.

“I could see the forensics officers taking pictures of that seat. I hope she pulls through.”

Betty, 79, who has lived at the Spanish Battery for 16 years said the area was incredibly dark at night.

“It’s black dark at night. It’s ridiculous,” she said.

“It’s a busy little car place. I have been here 16 years. It used to be very quiet but it’s busy now.

“I think at night this road should be blocked off.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Northumbria Police officers on 101 quoting log number 1397 31/10/20.