Dramatic cliff fall in East Cliff sparks 'stay away' warning

The latest fall occurred at East Cliff yesterday, Dorset Council said.

The authority said the Maritime Coastguard Agency attended the scene along with rangers to assess the fall and cordon it off if necessary.

The footage of the cliff fall, sent by an eyewitness, can be viewed below

The video captured yesterday shows a large clump of rock loosen from the cliff edge and fall to an area which was occupied by a group of people including children, according to an eyewitness.

Earlier this week two large sections of cliff collapsed near Thorncombe Beacon and Seatown.

Read more: Cliff fall at Dorset beach near Seatown

Eyewitness to the cliff fall, Margaret Bere said: "There were loads of people right there, including children.

"No one was hurt, but I fear there’s more cliff falls to come."

Warning signs have popped up along the Jurassic Coastline in West Bay. Picture: Dorset Council

A spokesman from West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team, said: "We were on patrol yesterday and were monitoring a couple of minor rock falls in East Cliff.

"We've been working with Dorset Council who said the cliffs around the area are unstable.

"For your own safety and the safety of others, please stay well away from the recent Seatown cliff fall and the base of the cliff, and never climb the cliffs or on recent rock falls as the debris could be unstable.

"Cliff falls can happen at any time and without warning. We just don't know if the next fall will take place in the next five minutes or five years.

"Our coastline is stunning but an ever-changing natural environment.

"Coastal erosion including cliff falls, landslides and mudslides are all a part of this environment and we want you all to stay safe."

Dorset Council tweeted: "The advice is stay safe - away from the edge and base of cliffs and don't climb on the fallen material."

Yesterday's cliff fall comes amid the dramatic landslip between Thorncombe Beacon and Seatown, believed to have occurred overnight on Monday.

cliff collapsed near Thorncombe Beacon and Seatown. Picture: Nicola Prakash

Onlookers reported the huge cliff fall between Seatown and Eype Beach - with one resident stating it is the 'biggest landslip they have seen in 60 years'.

Earlier this week the council warned that with ground drying out, more landslips and rockfalls could happen very quickly.

A large rock fall happened at Eype, on the same stretch of coastline, in November.

If you find yourself in difficulty or if you see something which gives you cause for concern then dial: 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Geomorphologist Professor Denys Brunsden explained that the cliff fall was caused by a number of factors, including storms and water build up on the clay Picture: James Loveridge Photography