Fish and chip shop co-owner fell to his death at Dorset cliff

Azhar Baig, who co-owned a popular fish and chip shop, slipped and hit his head on rocks in the tragic accident at Stair Hole, Lulworth, last Sunday.

Paramedics and coastguards rushed to his aid but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem examination found Mr Baig, 47, died of head injuries.

Ian Parry, senior coroner's officer, told the Bournemouth inquest on Thursday: "On the 18th of July, Mr Baig attended Lulworth Cove in West Dorset with his family.

"He attempted to climb some rocks but lost his footing and fell, hitting his head.

"Police and paramedics attended the scene and police investigations found no suspicious circumstances.

"He was confirmed dead at 6.59pm."

The air ambulance at Stair Hole on Sunday. Picture: Georgina Richards

Mr Baig, who had a young family, was a director of the takeaway restaurant Luton Fish Bar in Bedfordshire.

A tribute by colleagues posted on social media said: "Az was full of life and joy, always serving with a smile, bringing happiness wherever he went. He will be sorely missed.

"At this difficult time, our love and prayers go out to his young family."

Customers also took to social media to pay their respects.

One woman said: "The world has lost such a wonderful man! My sincerest condolences to you all."

A man added added: "He always had a smile on his face just like the rest of your team true credit to the community."

Police at the scene in the Lulworth Estate. Picture: Georgina Richards

Mr Baig's death is the second fatal incident to have taken place on the Lulworth Estate in the past five weeks.

In June, mother-of-five Tahira Jabeen, 46, fell 100ft to her death from the cliffs at Man O' War Bay while attempting to take a short cut down the cliff.

The Dorset coroner, Rachael Griffin, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have issued fresh safety warnings to the public when visiting the coast this summer.

It emerged that nine people have died while visiting Britain's beaches and coastline in the past couple of weeks alone.

Ms Griffin urged visitors to the coastline to exercise 'great caution' and stick to marked paths.

She said: "At this time there are numerous visitors to the Dorset area and coastline.

"It's very important all visitors or locals ensure they are following paths or marked paths when using the coastline, to avoid any tragic circumstances such as those that occurred to Mr Baig.

"I wish to issue a warning to visitors using the coast to exercise great caution in coastal areas in the actions they take in order to prevent any future deaths."

Claire Hughes, director of HM Coastguard, said: "We've seen too many tragedies already this summer and we're sad for those whose families have been left heartbroken by the loss."

Mr Baig's inquest was adjourned until December 6.