Large cliff fall at Seaford Head

The cliff fall happened at Seaford Head yesterday evening.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman said: "At 5.30pm yesterday, March 15, HM Coastguard received a report of a landslide in the Seaford Head area.

"The Environment Agency, the British Geological Survey and West Sussex County Council have been informed."

There was a large cliff fall at Seaford Head on March 15 Credit: Eddie Mitchell

Images taken today show the aftermath of the landslide, with an enormous mound of white rock piled up at the foot of the cliffs.

The rock covers part of the beach and extends into the sea.

Rainy weather last month caused cliff tops to become crumbly and unstable, with coastguard crews responding to a series of dangerous incidents as a result.

A large gap which opened up in the coastal path between Seaford Head and Hope Gap had to be cordoned off.

There was a large cliff fall at Seaford Head on March 15 Credit: Eddie Mitchell

There was a large cliff fall at Seaford Head on March 15 Credit: Eddie Mitchell

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

A further cliff fall at Scatby in Norfolk was reported to the coastguard and, near Swanage in Dorset, a coastguard rescue team investigated a rock slip at Sheps Hollow.

Coastguard deputy controller Dai Jones 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."