Four picnickers have been slammed for their “sheer stupidity” after being pictured sitting on the cliff-edge at Seaford Head.

The walkers sat with their legs dangling over the dizzying 150ft sheer drop, having ignored the warning signs meant to prevent people from going near the edge.

Nearby resident Phil Boorman condemned the group’s actions, saying: “Words fail me, other than to say nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

“Luckily for them, it turned out not to be their last supper. However their ignorance could have resulted in a far worse scenario.”

Mr Boorman, who is standing as an independent councillor in Seaford East, added: “It goes without saying that the Coastguard and other emergency services risk their own lives when members of the public decide to do such foolish things.

The winter weather is known to damage the chalk cliffs, and last year beaches between Seaford and Birling Gap had to be closed after a number of cliff falls.

A year ago safety warnings were made after a man was spotted posing for a picture while dangling his legs over the cliff at Beachy Head.

Graham Eastham, of Newhaven Coastguards, said: “They’re putting themselves at unnecessary risk. These cliffs, as they are made of chalk, can get very slippery and even crumble, and cliff edges are not safe places.

“If people see someone in danger on the cliffs, we advise that they do not put themselves in any risk, but call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

He added: “We do see pictures tweeted, or shared on social media, or in newspapers and it stands out, doing what we do. It’s not safe.

“We do active patrols on the cliffs, and we get out and give people advice but obviously we can’t be out there all the time.”