THRILL-SEEKERS are risking their lives dangling their legs over the 500ft drop at Seven Sisters – despite warnings an accidental death is only a matter of time.

In the latest incident a man is pictured sitting on the edge of the cliffs at Crowlink, near Eastbourne, while a friend crouches perilously nearby to take a picture.

It comes just weeks after a group of youths were pictured perching on the edge near Seaford.

The chalk cliffs from between Seaford Head and Beachy Head make way to sheer drops and have crumbling edges due to erosion.

But landowners ruled out taking security measures to stop what is becoming the latest in a series of summer dares.

Council chiefs yesterday warned pranksters they should look after themselves – but said they have no plans to fence off high-risk areas.

East Sussex County Council said such incidents were “extremely rare” – but this was contradicted by a ramblers’ group which said it was quite common.

A spokesman for East Sussex County Council said: “More than 60,000 visitors enjoy the Seven Sisters Country Park every year and incidents like this are extremely rare. There are a number of signs warning members of the public about the dangers of the unstable cliffs and staff at our visitor centre advise people to stay away from the cliff edge.

“We would remind visitors that they have a duty of care and responsibility for their own safety when visiting the coastline of East Sussex.”

Jennifer Butchers, secretary of the Beachy Head Ramblers, said people would continue to risk their lives no matter what they are told.

She added: “I would disapprove of fencing but it is quite common to see people up there dangling their legs over.

“There are already notices up there saying these cliffs are dangerous.”

The National Trust said due to constant erosion, fencing was not sustainable – and could also be a hazard in its own right if it were to collapse.

A spokesman added: “Fencing would also have a big impact of the natural beauty of this landscape that so many people do enjoy in a sensible way. We have warning signs in place.”

Newhaven Coastguard released the image saying it was “sheer madness” and the cliffs were “prone to unstable edges”.

David Johnson, chairman of Campaign to Protect Rural England Sussex, said “minimal” fencing should be introduced in the areas most at risk for erosion but more should be done to educate people of the danger.

A spokesman for the Coastguard said: “The Coastguard would like to encourage everyone to enjoy our British coastline safely. So, make sure that you check weather and tides before you set out.

“Make sure that you are properly equipped for walking along coastal paths. Stay away from cliff edges.”