Huge section of cliff collapses into sea just metres away from homes in UK seaside town (Image: Graham Hunt/BNPS)
An enormous chunk of cliff face collapsed near a seaside town in Dorset last night after months of warnings.
The huge rock displacement comes after a 230-foot-long crack was spotted on the coast in January this year.
A gaping hole is left where the 60-foot-wide section of the 600-foot-tall cliff was predicted to collapse.
Pictures show the destruction and the proximity of the nearby town.
It is understood that thousands of tonnes of rock, boulders and earth have collapsed onto the ground below.
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When the crack was first spotted, local geologist Richard Edmonds explained that the 180-million-year-old sandstone cliffs are particularly vulnerable after a cliff collapse.
He said at the time: "We have had enough sustained rainfall now for anything to happen over the next few months.
"This particular part of the cliff had a massive collapse two years ago which will have undermined this parts support."
He went on to urge British tourists to be aware of the danger and get away as soon as there was any sign of movement.
The rock slide saw tonnes of rock collapse onto the beach (Image: Graham Hunt/BNPS)
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Seatown is located very close to the collapsing rubble (Image: Getty)
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Ten years ago the collapsing cliffs in Dorset claimed a woman's life.
Charlotte Blackman, 22, was crushed to death under a 400-ton landslide on Burton Bradstock beach, near Seatown.
Miss Blackman's father Kevin and boyfriend Matt Carnell were helped out of the rubble by others on the beach, and were then seen desperately trying to get to Miss Blackman.
But as they were trying to help her a second landslide came down. Her body was finally found at 9.40pm.
Dorset Police said at the time: "It is believed the incident was a tragic accident and our thoughts are with the family of the victim at this very difficult time."
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Authorities warn the rockfalls can occur at any time.
Matt Reeks, Dorset Council’s Service Manager for Coast & Greenspace, said in 2021: "The Jurassic Coast is a wonderful place to visit, but it's important to use common sense and caution – stay away from the edge and base of cliffs and always pay attention to warning signs and safety messages."
The council also asked the public to stay away from the edge of the cliff top and to admire the view from a safe distance.
A spokeswoman from the council said: "This includes staying away from the base of cliffs due to rock falls and landslides potentially happening at any time. If you are under a rock fall, the likelihood is you will die."
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