Man missing after falling over waterfall

A MAN is missing – feared drowned – after falling over a flood-swollen waterfall in the New England region.

The 37-year-old man was travelling from Armidale to Kempsey with friends just before 6pm yesterday (Sunday), when they stopped for a break at Ebor Falls, about 80km east of Armidale, police say.

Witnesses have told police the man walked to the lookout and then out on to the rock ledge at the top of the falls, but then lost his balance and fell head first over the edge.

New England police and State Emergency Service crews responded to the incident.

They searched the immediate area but were unable to find the man.

The search was suspended at nightfall and will to resume this morning (Monday), however, the flooded falls and poor weather conditions could hamper the search effort, police say.