Man is found dead inside car after vehicle plunged off cliffs in South Tyneside 

A man has been found dead inside his car after his vehicle plunged off a cliff edge on the coast of South Tyneside.

Northumbria Police confirmed the death after being called to the scene at around 12.20pm on Wednesday.

The tragic discovery – just three days before Christmas – came after witnesses had reported seeing a vehicle in the sea at Marsden Grotto in South Shields.   

A search and rescue effort was launched in the area, involving various teams including the RNLI lifeboat service and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

Photos from the scene show a crumpled black car washed up on jagged rocks at the bottom of the cliff.

Elsewhere police were seen closing off the access area to the cliff edge as they carried out their investigation.  

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: ‘At 12.20pm today (Wednesday) we were alerted by a member of the public about a vehicle that was seen in the sea in the Marsden Grotto area of South Shields.

‘Emergency services attended the scene.’

Northumbria Police confirmed the death of a man whose vehicle plunged off a cliff edge (pictured) on Wednesday 

Photos from the scene show a crumpled black car washed up on jagged rocks at the bottom of the cliff (pictured)

Elsewhere police were seen closing off the access area to the cliff edge as they carried out their investigation (pictured) 

The force later confirmed that a man had been found dead inside the car.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesperson added: ‘Sadly, inside the vehicle they found a man deceased. 

‘His next of kin have been notified. 

‘There is not believed to have been any third party involvement and a report will be made for the coroner.’

‘Anyone with information or who witnessed what happened is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 2367@northumbria.police.uk.’