South West coast path collapses next to family picnic spot - in pictures

Coastguards have branded a cliff top in East Devon "very dangerous" after the area saw a huge cliff fall today (Friday, November 8). Salcombe Hill, just to the east of Sidmouth has collapsed and crumbled away, leaving a huge sheer rockface - and the threat of more falls in the coming days.

Beer Coastguard Rescue Team were informed of the large collapse shortly before 8am today. A lifeboat was sent to the water below to check for anyone stranded on the beach or trapped by the fall.

The path at the top of the hills has been cordoned off and a diversion map has been posted in the area, with permanent fencing to be erected today. Beer Coastguard said the area is "very dangerous" and that "more cliff falls will happen soon".

In a post on Facebook, the coastguard said: "Tasked to a cliff fall at Salcombe hill Sidmouth. Once on scene it was obviously another huge cliff fall this time East of Sidmouth.

"Sidmouth lifeboat were requested to do a shoreline search to check for any persons stranded on the beach or cliff fall. The area Coastguard drone team and our Area commander were also on route.

"We taped off the path and had team members at the ends of the path to stop any walkers going on that section of path. A public right of way officer arrived on scene along with National trust operatives.

"The path was officially closed and a diversion route sign posted. Permanent fencing will be erected today. The Drone team checked the area along the coast for anymore cliff falls not visible from the top.

"Please follow the signs, this is a very dangerous area, and more cliff falls will happen soon."

It comes just a week after another huge cliff fall, just above Jacob's Ladder Beach. The fall was branded one of the biggest in years, with tonnes of rock and rubble falling onto the beach and leaving a cliff-side home just metres from a 400ft drop.

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