Two people died after a car plunged into the water below a beauty spot on the , Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police have confirmed this evening. The incident occurred on Friday evening at , near The Needles, one of Britain's most iconic coastal , the reported. The grey vehicle reportedly left the road along Alum Bay New Road, plunging 300 feet off the cliff before coming to rest in the sea below.

The police said in a statement on Friday, June 6: "We're currently at the scene of a serious incident in Totland. We were called at 7.21pm this evening (Friday, June 6) after a car, which was being driven along Alum Bay New Road, left the road, came off the cliff top and came to rest in the water below." It was reported at the time that a man was recovered from the water.

The police said today that formal identification has yet to take place but that the families of those who have died have been notified.

In a statement released this evening, Sunday, June 8, the police said: "Formal identification has yet to take place, but their next of kin have been notified.

"As part of the ongoing investigation into the incident, on behalf of the coroner, officers have been carrying out enquiries at an address on Arctic Road, Cowes."

Emergency services including police, coastguard, firefighters, and paramedics were sent to the scene, and the nearby Needles Landmark Attraction was temporarily closed by police while emergency teams responded.

Despite the incident, the Round the Island Race, which is one of the largest yacht races in the world attracting over 1,200 boats and around 10,000 sailors still went ahead yesterday as planned, even though the route passes through the bay.

Each year, about half a million visit Alum Bay and the surrounding cliffs, according to the .

The iconic chalk stacks of The Needles were also previously named as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the UK.

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit:
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow our social media accounts here on and @daily_express