Chapter 7
Seven
Then
NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE/AMBULANCE CONTROL CENTRE
Caller: Ambulance . . . and police, I think. Yes. Both, please.
Operator: OK, tell me exactly what’s happened.
Caller: So, I’m out walking my dog on the cliff path near Scarborough, just off Cliff Road.
I’ve come down to the lower track and there’s—there’s a car down there.
It’s gone over the edge. It’s . . . it’s half in the sea.
I don’t know how long it’s been there, but it’s mangled to bits.
I think it might have been there all night.
Operator: Right. Are you safe, where you are now?
Caller: Yes. I’m stood well back, on the lower path. I can see it from here, maybe fifty yards away. The tide’s out far enough that it’s—it’s sort of balanced on the rocks, half on, half off. It’s awful. I don’t know if—oh God.
Operator: OK, you’re doing really well. Can I take your name, please?
Caller: It’s Claire. Claire Atkinson.
Operator: Thank you, Claire. Can you tell me if you can see anyone inside the car?
Caller: I can’t see properly, it’s so twisted. The roof’s crushed right down. I don’t think anyone could still be . . . there’s no movement. The windows are smashed, and the doors are crumpled in. There’s seaweed all over it. Oh God, it’s horrible.
Operator: Take a breath for me. You’re doing fine. You mentioned it’s half in the sea. Is the tide coming in or going out?
Caller: I’m not sure. The front is partially in the water, but the back is on the rocks. My dog keeps barking at it. He’s frightened.
Operator: OK. You said you think it might have happened overnight?
Caller: Yes. I mean, there are no lights on or anything, nothing flashing. No smell of petrol or smoke. It’s really quiet. Too quiet. I walk this way most mornings, but I didn’t come yesterday because of the rain. I don’t know how long it’s been there.
Operator: Can you see a reg plate or the car model?
Caller: No, it’s hanging off the back and the sea keeps washing over it. But it’s dark grey or blue, maybe. Hard to tell under all the mud and salt. Looks like a big saloon, maybe an Audi or something like that.
Operator: That’s helpful. Is there anyone else there with you?
Caller: No, just me and the dog. There’s a man walking further up with headphones, but he hasn’t seen it yet.
Operator: That’s fine. Don’t put yourself at risk. Just keep back. Can you see any belongings around the area—debris, bags, anything thrown clear?
Caller: No, nothing. Just bits of the car. Bits of bumper and plastic scattered up the rocks. Oh God. There’s a shoe halfway down. Black, like a man’s shoe. This is awful.
Operator: You’re doing exactly the right thing, Claire. Stay calm for me. The police and ambulance are being dispatched now, and the coastguard is being notified. I’ll keep you on the line until someone reaches you. Can you tell me roughly where you are on Cliff Road? Any nearby landmarks?
Caller: Yes—I parked by the ‘Loose Edge’ warning sign. There’s a lay-by just past it, with one of those rusted bins and a wooden fence. If you look down from there, you can see the car.
Operator: Perfect, thank you. That’ll help the responders locate you quickly. I know this must be upsetting, but just to confirm—there’s no visible movement inside the vehicle?
Caller: None. It looks empty, but you can’t really tell because the roof is flattened. It’s like it folded in on itself. I don’t think anyone could’ve survived that.
Operator: All right. Are you able to stay where you are until police arrive?
Caller: Yes. The dog’s getting restless, he knows something’s wrong. I’ll move a few steps back up the path.
Operator: That’s good. Keep yourself and the dog safe. Help is on the way—the police should be with you shortly.
Caller: It’s just so eerie. The tide’s making this sucking noise . . . like it’s trying to pull the car under. Sorry, I just can’t stop thinking that maybe someone was in there all night and nobody even knew.