POLICE have confirmed a 30-year-old Barrow man has died after he jumped into a 300-foot-high quarry.

Police were called to an incident at Hodge Close Quarry, Coniston, at 5.46pm yesterday.

Emergency services including police, ambulance, mountain rescue and fire, attended the scene to support the investigation.

Officers have since confirmed a 30-year-old Barrow man has died after jumping from height and his body has been recovered.

Police said the man's family has been informed and the death is not being treated as suspicious.

A cordon remains in place with police tape blocking off access to the quarry while uniformed officers stand guard.

Police Community Support Officer Debbie Ross warned any members of the public to stay back from the quarry’s edge.

“If anything can come of this tragedy then it should be to make people aware of the dangers of doing things like this,” she said.

“The weather might be nice but there are obvious dangers.

“We’re trying to get the message out for community safety that people shouldn’t be jumping from quarries or bridges.”

Hodge Close Quarry, which has a 300 foot drop on one side, is one of the largest artificial holes in England. It has a myriad of old slate mine workings and tunnels popular with climbers and underwater diving enthusiasts from across the UK.

Rob Ingham, team leader of Coniston Mountain Rescue Team which was involved in the rescue operation, said the tragedy should act as a warning to people.

“Jumping into quarries can be lethal,” he said.

“You can’t see what’s under the water and the water is extremely cold. This is a tragic incident but these things can be avoided. It might be good fun for people but the consequences can be very serious.”

The former slate quarry ceased operating in 1964 after almost 200 years and is often explored by underwater divers.

Nick Fieldhouse, the owner of Windermere-based off-road driving experience Men of Kankku, is a regular visitor to the quarry and as an experienced scuba diver has explored the area.

"It's not a dangerous spot if you have the right training and equipment, but you need to be aware of the risks and make sure you know what you're doing," Mr Fieldhouse said.

"It's terribly tragic and our condolences are with the man's family."