RESIDENTS at a cliff-top block of flats spoke of their shock yesterday after a pensioner plunged to his death from the 16th floor.

A police investigation was launched after the man, who is in his 70s, fell about 170ft from Albany on Manor Road, Bournemouth, at around 11am on Wednesday. The luxury block, commanding spectacular sea views, is one of the resort’s highest buildings.

Albany residents were yesterday struggling to come to terms with the tragedy on their doorstep; the second fatality in recent years.

Student Amy Alicea, 20, pictured, told the Daily Echo: “My family live on the ground floor and it all happened outside my brother Louis’ bedroom window; he was out at the time.

“I was in the lounge and had no idea what was going on until I looked outside and saw a white police tent. When the elderly lady fell to her death a few years ago it was outside my bedroom and I heard a loud bang but this time I didn’t hear a thing.

“It is so sad; we have lived at Albany for five years and this is the second tragedy in that time. I didn’t know the man who died but it’s still terrible.”

Retired engineer Colin Webb, who lives on the 12th floor, said: “I didn’t know the man who died. I’m very sad for his family and my condolences go to them.

“Albany is a lovely block to live in with a very close knit community and regular social occasions. I knew nothing about the tragedy; I was out when it happened.”

A mother, wheeling her child in a pram, said: “I live on the 10th floor and was in my flat when it happened. When I looked out I saw police officers and decided to stay indoors with my baby. I didn’t know the man who died.”

A Dorset police spokesman said an investigation is still under way but the death is not being treated as suspicious. A post mortem was due to be held yesterday. The Coroner has been informed and an inquest will be held.