Pier jump warning after person 'injures spine'

Lifeboat charity the RNLI has issued a warning over pier jumping after a person was taken to hospital with suspected spinal injuries

A person has been taken to hospital with "suspected spinal injuries" after jumping from Eastbourne Pier, the RNLI said.

Lifeboat crews said they helped to rescue someone who had jumped from the East Sussex pier at about 20:15 BST on Sunday.

The RNLI said it was urging people to "think twice" before jumping from piers, groynes or other sea walls due to the risk of hidden underwater hazards.

An HM Coastguard spokesperson confirmed its rescue teams also attended, alongside ambulance crews.

An RNLI spokesperson said in a social media post: "Hidden underwater hazards, sudden changes in water depth, strong tides, and the risk of cold water shock can all turn a split-second thrill into a tragedy.

"Even experienced swimmers can get caught off guard."

The spokesperson urged people to call 999 or 112 in a coastal emergency and ask for the coastguard.

A coastguard spokesperson added: "Alerted at around 8.15pm, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Birling Gap and Eastbourne and an inshore lifeboat from Eastbourne RNLI were sent to the scene.

"The person was located and recovered to a place of safety before getting transferred to hospital."

South East Coast Ambulance Service has been approached for comment.