A HUGE volume of rock fell from a cliff at a Sussex beauty spot, prompting coastguard crews in the area to issue an urgent warning to visitors.

Passers-by noticed the large cliff fall at the Seven Sisters.

Yesterday, Birling Gap Coastguard issued a statement on social media urging people to stay safe by keeping away from cliff edges.

Pictures show recent rockfalls at Birling Gap in Sussex Credit: Birling Gap Coastguard

Pictures show recent rockfalls at Birling Gap in Sussex Credit: Birling Gap Coastguard

A spokesman for the service said: "We are aware of a significant fresh cliff fall at the cliff end (western side) of the Seven Sisters.

"Our advice remains the same regardless of where along the coast you may be, please stay away from cliff edges and bases as they are very unstable and are liable to collapse without warning.

"These images (above and below) were taken by our team following all of our safety procedures and using the relevant safety equipment.

Pictures show recent rockfalls at Birling Gap in Sussex Credit: Birling Gap Coastguard

Pictures show recent rockfalls at Birling Gap in Sussex Credit: Birling Gap Coastguard

"This fall seems to have collapsed from about half way up and not the full height reinforcing our point that you may not be able to see that you could be standing on an overhang, and therefore are effectively standing on thin air.

"In a coastal emergency dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

The stunning National Trust site attracts a huge number of visitors each year.

But, over the years, there have been many occasions where tourists have been seen venturing too close to the cliff edge at Seven Sisters and nearby Birling Gap.

In recent years, this has prompted a "selfie warning" as people pose precariously on the cliff edge in an attempt to snap an impressive picture.

Pictures show recent rockfalls at Birling Gap in Sussex Credit: Birling Gap Coastguard

Pictures show recent rockfalls at Birling Gap in Sussex Credit: Birling Gap Coastguard

In September last year, after a huge fissure appeared in the cliff top at Birling Gap, a Maritime and Coastguard Agency warned that “selfie culture” is one of the biggest challenges currently faced by its crews.

A spokeswoman told The Argus: “No selfie is worth risking your life for.

"Use the designated paths, take notice of any warning signs, be responsible and don’t take any unnecessary risks.”