Paraglider dies after plummeting into Barton clifftop

A PARAGLIDER has died after colliding with a cliff at Barton.

The pilot, who was in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene in Marine Drive East on Thursday 7th July, Hampshire police confirmed.

Eyewitnesses said the number three car park in Marine Drive East was cordoned off while police, ambulance and coastguards worked into the evening at the scene.

A Hampshire police spokesperson said: "We were called out at 5.41pm on Thursday, 7th July, to assist South Central Ambulance Service following reports of a sudden death in Barton-on-Sea.

"It is reported that a man who had been paragliding in the area was involved in an accident, resulting in him colliding with an exposed area of clifftop.

"Paramedics commenced treatment at the scene, but despite their best efforts, sadly the man in his 60s was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"His next of kin have been informed and were supported by specialist officers."

The death was not being treated as suspicious and a report has been prepared for the coroner.

Coastguard Colin Tabor confirmed that five coastguards from Lymington attended the scene to help the ambulance service and helicopter paramedics.

It's the second paraglider death at Barton in the past 11 months. Pilot Christopher Sparham (62), of Romsey, died after a crash on 10th August last year.

An inquest into Mr Sparham's death, held at Winchester Coroners' Court, heard the wing of his paraglider had collapsed, causing him to lose control while he was trying to land on the clifftop.