Onlookers had a ‘lucky escape’ when a crumbling cliff collapsed in Dorset on Tuesday night, leaving the beachgoers scrambling to safety.
In a video shared as a warning by Dorset Council on social media, three individuals can be seen narrowly avoiding a rockfall from a 150ft cliff.
The incident occurred at West Bay, near Bridport in Dorset, where the shoreline constitutes a constant ticking time bomb of landslides.
Dorset Council said: “Rockfalls and Landslips can happen at anytime. These people had a lucky escape.
“The South West Coast Path above the cliff at West Bay is currently closed. Thanks to Daniel Knagg for the footage.”
West Bay is part of the Jurassic Coast’s Golden Gateway, a 96 mile stretch of cliff-lined coastline.
The area has been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site for its outstanding rocks, fossils and landforms.
However, the beautiful coastline carries latent danger, as shown by the video of an entire section of the cliff detaching and crashing down to beach level.
An aerial view of cliffs on the Jurassic Coast near West Bay, Dorset, where ITV's Broadchurch is filmed.
PA
Reacting to Dorset Council’s 23 second video, one social media user said: "We know you have warning signs - sadly they are missed by many people if walking the coastal footpaths please keep children and toddlers away from the edge stay safe".
Two days before the incident, drone footage captured three pensioners standing on the cliff edge in the exact spot that broke away.
Another social media user responded: "Do they have brain cells? I wouldn’t go near them as if there is a rock fall (which can be very likely here atm) you have zero chance of getting away from it - stay back people!! Use your noggin.”
The Coastal Ranger Team has closed the South West Coast Path as a precaution, with temporary restrictions in place for up to six months.
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An inspection of the area will be conducted by the council next week.
PA
A view of Durdle Door in Dorset.
PA
An inspection of the area will be conducted by the council next week.
The location has been nicknamed the Broadchurch cliffs after the ITV drama, which is set in the area.
The coastline is managed by various different organisations including National Trust, Dorset Wildlife Trust and private landowners.
It follows another landslip which occurred just down the coastline on Seatown Beach last month.
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