A YOUNG boy was airlifted to hospital after falling down a cliff.

Emergency teams worked together to rescue the child after he plummeted more than 20 metres while climbing West Hill Cliff near Hastings this afternoon.

Police, fire ambulance and air ambulance crews were called at about 2pm and quickly filled the cliff-top road.

The boy was transferred to hospital in the air ambulance shortly before 3pm.

The Argus:

An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "We were called at 2.01pm to assist the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) with an incident in Castle Hill Road, Hastings.

"Crews from Bohemia Road attended. We left the scene at 2.55pm."

Rother Police took to social media to praise the work of both emergency crews and passers-by who had helped them with the rescue.

The Argus: Credit: Daniel BurtonCredit: Daniel Burton

A Twitter post read: "Collaborative working with our partners and communities to help rescue a young lad who fell more than 20 metres while climbing West Hill Cliff.

"(Wishing a) speedy recovery to you, and thanks to the Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance, SECAmb and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service."