Children were spotted playing “frighteningly” close to the edge of cliffs at West Bay.

Local photographer James Loveridge snapped the youths who, he says, were throwing rocks at people on the beach below and dicing with danger at the top of the cliff despite repeated warnings about the dangers of potential rockfalls.

The drone footage can be viewed at dorsetecho.co.uk

Mr Loveridge said: “Once I realised they were throwing rocks I went and spoke to them and told them there were people on the beach below. They said they were throwing rocks into the sea, but clearly it wasn’t possible for them to reach that far.”

According to Mr Loveridge, the children were about 12 years old.

“I didn’t see any parents or older children with them up the cliff,” he said.

“There are signs about rockfalls at the base of the cliff but nothing at the top about not going to the edge and not throwing stones and this wasn’t the first time I’ve seen both those things happen in the past few weeks.”

Mr Loveridge is calling for more to be done to protect people’s safety.

“I can’t work out if the kid slips and nearly falls off, or his friend pushed him and holds on to him,” he said.

“It’s about time something was done about it. Every time I go to West Bay there are kids right on the edge or throwing stuff off. There is no signage at the top of the cliff warning people, or fencing stopping people going to the edge.”

Jake Lanning, coastguard rescue officer for West Bay, said the footage is “frightening.”

Mr Lanning said: “There are clear warning signs at the base of the cliff warning about the dangers of potential rock falls. Fencing is a challenging issue because the coastline is not owned by the coastguard.

“Apart from fencing and signage, people need to have common sense as well. This footage is frightening to see as a coastguard and as a father. We want everyone to enjoy themselves and the coast but do it responsibly.

“Enjoy the coast, and have a good summer, but do it responsibly. If you do see someone at risk, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. We would rather be called out athousand time and issue advice than one time when it’s too late.”