Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Video: See the base
jumper paraglide from the top of the tower.

EXCLUSIVE by Katie Alston

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No
it's a man jumping off a 300ft tower with a parachute.

Many have been left asking whether
this daredevil is brave or stupid after chucking himself off the
radar tower in Courtenay Road, Dunkirk on Monday evening.

Residents looked on with horror as the thrill-seeker
scaled the metal structure, which is thought to be one of the most
intact second World War radar towers, just after 5.15pm.

It took him around 20 minutes to
climb up a series of ladders, carrying his equipment on his back,
before pulling his rip cord and gliding into the long grass
below.

But news of the jump has split
opinion.

Jo Stagg from the Royal Society for
the Prevention of Accidents said: “People have always taken part in
adventure pursuits and always will.

“We commend those who seek thrills
and adrenaline bursts, but as long as they understand the risk they
pose to their own lives and do not endanger others.

“It would appear this base jumper
is well up to speed with the risk involved."

The base jumper
paraglides from the top of Dunkirk Tower following Monday evening's
jump. Picture: Chris Davey.

But, police are less than
enthusiastic about the message being sent out.

Sgt Dave Smith said: “This is an
extremely dangerous practice and the selfish individuals who
undertake these daredevil risks are not only putting their own
lives in danger, but potentially others.

“When officers are called out to
deal with such incidents they cannot take other calls and may
impede them from attending genuine emergencies. Only last year a
couple of people who attempted to base jump off this tower in
Courtenay Road landed on power lines."

A 31-year-old man was spoken to by
police at the scene and warned of his behaviour.



Read the full story in this week's Faversham News and see
the jump in our video at the top of the page.