Four people had to be winched to safety from the bottom of cliffs after they were cut off by the tide.

The two men and two women, believed to be Polish or from the Czech Republic, were spotted by a member of the public in Ecclesbourne Glen, Hastings, at 1.13pm today.

The Hastings lifeboat crew was unable to reach the walkers so an RAF helicopter was sent to rescue them. They landed safely on the beach next to the lifeboat station.

Less than three hours later the Hastings lifeboat crew was called by Sussex Police who were trying to rescue a drunk man from the sea.

He had entered the water near Warrior Square in St Leonards, at 4pm, but by the time the crew reached the area the police had brought the man to safety.