A MAN died after a van was driven off a cliff.

Emergency services found the man alive at the bottom of the cliffs east of Brighton Marina and near Roedean School at about 6.30am today.

But he died shortly after.

The Argus:

The man was found in a silver Vauxhall van .

A police spokesman said: “On Sunday May 12, just after 6.30am, police were called to a silver coloured Vauxall van gone off the edge of the cliff east of the Marina and close to Roedean school.

“Police, ambulance and fire services attended the scene. “The driver sadly died a short while after.

“Next of kin have been informed.”

The Argus:

Part of the cliff walkway was closed until investigations are carried out in the area by police.

One dog walker, who asked not to be named, said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw it.

"There were loads of emergency services at the scene. The top road was open with coastguards and police at the top. There were about three police cars there, a coastguard vehicle and the Brighton Beach Office vehicle.

"The walkway at the bottom was closed.

"It looked like a nasty accident.

"There were specialist rescue vehicles at the bottom from the coastguard, fire service, ambulance and police.

"It looked terrible."

The Argus:

A member of staff at the White Horse Hotel in Rottingdean said: "I didn't see anything happen but we have seen emergency services and police cars along the seafront throughout the morning. 

"We can see them from the hotel.

"They have been here since early morning."

UPDATE: The walkway at the foot of the cliffs has been re-opened.

Witnesses are asked to call the police on 101 quoting CAD 28312/5.