THE RNLI has warned people to enjoy cliffs from a safe distance after a group of people were spotted close to the edge.

Walkers saw five or six people standing close to the cliff edge at Seaford Head yesterday afternoon, despite warnings from East Sussex County Council after rock falls.

An eyewitness said groups of walkers at Splash Point were “seemingly very nervous” watching the group.

“What concerns me is that fools like them will encourage the powers that be to fence off the cliffs if someone does fall,” the eyewitness said.

The Argus: A group of people could be seen close to the edge of Seaford Head yesterday afternoonA group of people could be seen close to the edge of Seaford Head yesterday afternoon (Image: Argus reader)

Newhaven RNLI water safety officer Jane Masey said that walkers should be cautious in the area as the chalk could be unstable.

She said: “We urge people to enjoy our cliffs from a safe distance.

“Walkers should take care and keep away from the cliff edge, the chalk below may be unstable.

“Dog owners should keep their pets on a lead - you never know when your canine friend might take off after a bird or rabbit.

“If you get into trouble or see anyone in difficulty in the water or on our coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

The warning comes after a large rock fall between Seaford Head and Hope Gap caused a recess of between 15 and 18 feet.

The fall prompted East Sussex County Council to stay clear from the cliff edge amid fears that the chalk above “could fall at any time”.