A 29-YEAR-old man is fighting for his life after plunging 80ft from cliffs.

The man, from South Shields, had to be airlifted to Newcastle General Hospital where his condition is described as 'critical but stable'.

Police, firefighters, coastguard and paramedics were called to Marsden Grotto in South Shields at 4.10pm on Thursday.

The man was conscious on the beach about 150m north of the Marsden Grotto pub.

He is being treated for serious leg injuries.

Neil Mearns, coastguard rescue officer from Sunderland Coastguard, who attended the scene yesterday, said: "I understand the man landed on his feet and the doctor from the air ambulance spent an awful lot of time stabilising him to get him in the helicopter.

"We don't know for certain if he jumped or fell, but I would urge the public if they see anyone acting distressed to contact the coastguard and police as soon as possible.

"It's better to be safe than sorry and it could save someone's life."

Crew manager Lee James, from South Shields fire station, said: "We don't know if he has fallen or jumped.

"He was on the beach when we got there. He was being treated by paramedics.

"We helped the paramedics, then the air ambulance came in and they treated him.

"He's got severe life-threatening injuries and he was airlifted to Newcastle General Hospital."

Mr James and his colleagues arrived at the scene within minutes, as they were training nearby.

Meanwhile, a dog was killed when it fell 90ft from cliffs at about 2.40pm near Marsden Grotto pub.

Sunderland coastguard attended the scene to help recover the animal's body.