TRIBUTES have been paid to a Preston family doctor who died after plunging 30ft in a freak walking accident at the weekend.

GP Peter Inglis, aged 49, was out walking at Arnside, near Silverdale, Cumbria, on Saturday afternoon when he lost his footing and tumbled backwards over a cliff during a holiday with his wife and two sons.

Mr Inglis, of Whins Lane, Wheelton, suffered multiple injuries in the fall at around 3pm and died at the scene, despite frantic attempts by paramedics to save him.

Stunned colleagues at Roslea Surgery in Station Road, Bamber Bridge, paid tribute to the doctor, who originated from Windermere.

In a statement, they said: "Staff and patients alike at Roslea Surgery were shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden tragic death of Dr Peter Inglis.

"He had worked at the practice for 22 years and was a well liked and respected character whose diligence and sense of humour will be sorely missed.

"Our thoughts are with his wife Susan and their sons Richard and Christopher."

Doctor Roy Evison, chairman of Chorley and South Ribble Primary Care Group, added: "I am very shocked and saddened by the tragic news. I did know Doctor Inglis very well, and my sympathies go out to his family and friends."

Sergeant Charlie Wilcox, of Kendal Police, explained: "The area in which Peter tragically died is a very popular beauty spot, particularly favoured by walkers around this time of year.

"Unfortunately, there were very few walkers around at the time so we are appealing for people who may have seen what happened to Peter to come forward.

"It appears that Peter had left his family to the return to their caravan when the accident happened. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the accident, it just appears to be a very tragic accident."

Doctor Inglis' death has been reported to the coroner and police investigations are continuing.

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