A NINE-YEAR-OLD has died following a rock fall in Staithes.

Multiple ambulances, fire crews, police, the RNLI and two air ambulances were dispatched to Seaton Garth in Staithes at around 4.47pm on Wednesday night.

A young girl was found at the scene with serious head injuries.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the child died of her injuries shortly afterwards.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said that her family are currently being supported by specialist trained officers.

Witnesses at the scene reported that the beach popular with tourists was completely closed by emergency services. It remains cordoned off today.

Staithes Coastguard Rescue Team wrote on Facebook yesterday: "Sometimes finding the right words is hard. We have families, loved ones who mean the world to us too.

"When we’re called out we will always strive to search, rescue and to save. Sometimes though despite all our efforts, not everyone can be saved.

"Our thoughts are with all those who are grieving and whose lives have been devastated."

In a post to the Staithes village Facebook page last night, one resident said: “The whole village is in shock after the tragic event earlier today.

“Everyone in the community, or connected with Staithes, are passing on their deepest condolences to the family.”

A statement from the RNLI said crew members of Staithes and Runswick Lifeboat Station responded to the emergency, adding: "The RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew attended to a child who sadly died at the scene. 

"The RNLI, and in particular the volunteers of Staithes and Runswick Lifeboat Station, would like to share their deepest condolences with the child's family."

Scarborough Borough Council leader, Cllr Derek Bastiman, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the nine-year-old girl who has lost her life in such tragic circumstances.

“Many of us are parents ourselves and it’s deeply upsetting when something like this happens.

“I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of the council to the emergency services for their response in what must have been a deeply harrowing situation.”