A man died after plunging 70ft down a cliff.

Paramedics tried to save him after he fell from cliffs near the Cuilfail Tunnel, Lewes, yesterday.

A rescue team scaled the chalk face with ropes and climbing equipment to reach the man, believed to be in his 20s, who was lodged halfway down on rocks and trees.

He was still alive when the six-strong team reached him just after 2pm.

He had suffered serious leg and head injuries.

It took an hour and a half to manoeuvre him on to a stretcher and lower him to the ground.

He was taken to Eastbourne District General Hospital but died of his injuries.

Janine Bell, from the Sussex Ambulance Service, said: "Our crews were called to the scene this afternoon.

"They made an excellent effort and did everything they could but unfortunately they could not save him."

The rescue operation involved the ambulance service, East Sussex firefighters, Solent Coastguard's rescue team and Sussex Police.