A WOMAN has died in Southampton General Hospital after falling from a cliff.

The casualty, in her 50s, was airlifted to hospital with "very serious head and chest injuries" yesterday.

A spokesman for Dorset Police has confirmed that she died earlier today.

"We are very sorry to have to inform you that the lady passed away this morning from her injuries," she said.

Police, ambulance crews and coastguard rushed to Peveril Point in Swanage, Dorset, at 2.30pm after being alerted to the incident by a member of the public.

The victim was comforted by one of the watchkeepers from the station until the rest of the rescue services arrived.

Dorset Police said the woman's family have been informed.

Chief inspector Bob Acaster said: "Emergency services worked hard in very difficult weather to rescue the woman from the cliff and bring her to safety."

A Swanage Coastguard statement said: "Coastguard Rescue Officers from Swanage and St Albans were tasked along with Dorset Police Officers and the ambulance service."

"A local woman aged in her 50s was airlifted from the cliffs by the Coastguard helicopter and taken to King George's field where she was treated by paramedics.

"She sustained very serious head and chest injuries and was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital by the air ambulance."

It added: "We would also like to confirm that despite local social media reports the incident did not involve a child."