The man was hurt tombstoning from the harbour wall in St. Mary's

The man, 25, from the Sheffield area, was hurt late on Friday when he jumped into the water at Hughtown.

He was airlifted to Treliske hospital and later taken to Derriford where doctors concluded he will not walk again, police said.

Pc Tony Kan said: "We can only repeat our advice that this kind of activity often leads to tragic consequences."

This has been a terrible tragedy Pc Tony Kan Group teaches 'safe' tombstoning

He went on: "This has been a terrible tragedy for this young man and his family and friends."

The practice of tombstoning involves people leaping into the sea from high cliffs or rocks, on many occasions while being the worse for drink.

Safety organisations have repeatedly warned there is danger from tides, hidden underwater hazards and the effects of sudden submersion into deep water.

There have been several deaths from the craze in recent years.