Warning to stay away from cliffs after dog killed in rock fall

Newhaven Coastguard is warning people to stay away from the unstable surface at Seaford Head as the cliffs are "liable to collapse without warning".

This warning came as a dog was killed in a cliff fall near Newquay yesterday, with the falling rubble narrowly missing its owner.

Newhaven Coastguard reported the new crack (pictured below) in the cliff at Seaford Head on Saturday.

A new crack in a cliff has appeared at Seaford Head Credit: Newhaven Coastguard

A spokesman said: "Our team was called to a fresh crack in the cliff top at Seaford Head, close to where a huge collapse occurred yesterday morning.

"The team moved the barrier further in-land, while following all of our safety procedures and using relevant safety equipment

"Please stay away from cliff edges and bases as they are very unstable and are liable to collapse without warning.

"Due to the current weather, the cliffs are currently very weak and fresh cracks are appearing all the time.

• READ MORE: 'Significant' cliff fall at Seven Sisters

"Remember to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard in a coastal emergency."

HM Coastguard has also issued a national warning, urging people to steer clear of unstable cliffs following a spate of rock falls at coastlines across England, including the tragic incident in which a dog died in Cornwall over the weekend.

The dog was killed and its owner narrowly avoided injury when a cliff fall occurred at Whipseyderry Beach, near Newquay, on Sunday.

The coastguard said the owner was able to move to safety after being warned by another member of the public that the cliff was about to give way.

Meanwhile, in Aycliffe, Kent, a group of five people were warned to move away from cliff edges following a recent fall.

A further cliff fall at Scatby in Norfolk was also reported to the coastguard.

A new crack in a cliff has appeared at Seaford Head Credit: Newhaven Coastguard

And, near Swanage in Dorset, a coastguard rescue team investigated a rock slip at Sheps Hollow and cordoned the area off.

Dai Jones, coastguard duty controller, said: “If you’re lucky enough to live near the coast and be in a position to take your exercise there in line with local Covid-19 restrictions, please do be careful near cliffs.

“Some of them are really unstable at the moment and could easily collapse.

“Stay well back, wear appropriate sturdy footwear and ensure that you check tide times and weather before setting out.

“If you or someone else is in difficulty call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”