A LARGE group of people were asked to leave a private beach yesterday.

Shoreham Coastguard teams on their afternoon patrol were alerted to reports of youngsters jumping off the eastern arm of the harbour at Shoreham Port in Southwick.

Officers then discovered that between 40 and 50 young people had gathered on the Spending beach, which is private property owned by Shoreham Port.

The group was asked to leave but a large amount of rubbish was left behind which had to be cleared by Shoreham Coastguard officers.

A child suffered a cut foot from broken glass in the shingle.

Shoreham Coastguard have issued a warning about the dangers of tombstone jumping.

A spokesman said: "It’s been an incredibly busy weekend for all of our Coastguard rescue teams along the south coast.

"We are seeing an increase in young people tombstone jumping at Shoreham harbour, Brighton beach and on the river Adur.

"We also encourage people to stay away from high cliff areas due to possible erosion which could lead to cliff falls.

"If you are using the beach please take any rubbish with you and please be aware that disposable barbecues heat up the stones, which can cause burns for a long while afterwards to people and animals.

"Stay safe and enjoy the warm weather, and if you see anyone in trouble dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."