This shocking photo shows a parachuter plunging off 150ft cliffs.

The dangerous move was captured by photographer Martin Simpson, who was at East Beach, West Bay, taking pictures on Friday evening.

Mr Simpson said: "I was down at West Bay taking landscapes shots when I looked up someone had jumped off top of cliffs with a red parachute. 

"I then packed up my camera walk up beach and heard coastguard sirens go off and warn people sitting on cliff ledge, I then looked up five minutes later to see someone standing on edge looking like they were going to jump. I got my phone out and recorded what was the second base jumper that evening.

"I actually thought somebody was going to seriously going to get hurt, plus there were loads of family on beach with children. If somebody got seriously hurt it wouldn’t have been a nice sight for young children."

It was the same day students were seen putting themselves in ‘extreme danger’ when they sat on the edge of the cliff to take photographs.

The students were seen dangling their legs over the top of the huge East Cliff.

Amazingly, despite a warning from coastguards to stay back, they returned to the edge of the cliff a short time later to take more pictures, seemingly unaware of the dangers.

The incident has prompted a warning from coastguards that ‘no photograph is worth risking your life for’.

The impressive cliff is a famous landmark on the Jurassic Coast and provided the backdrop for the ITV crime drama Broadchurch.

But the crumbling cliffs are dangerous and rescuers are frequently called there amid reports of people putting their lives at risk.

Members of West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team had gone to the harbour early that evening to meet the Lyme Regis Lifeboat which was bringing in a fishing boat which had broken down.

A spokesman said: “As officers were waiting for the vessel to arrive, two persons were spotted sitting on the very edge of East Cliff, legs over the side, taking photographs.

"As both persons had put themselves in a place of extreme danger, officers relocated the rescue vehicle to end of East Pier and used its siren and onboard speaker system to transmit a safety warning after which they both moved away from the edge.

“Turning their attention back to the broken down vessel which had now arrived at the harbour, officers assisted with getting the boat to its berth and making sure the occupant was ok.

“As the team were about to stand down, the two persons on the cliff had again returned to a place of danger to continue taking photographs.

“Officers quickly relocated to East Beach car park and two team members made their way to the top of the cliff to talk with the pair, who turned out to be photography students visiting from abroad. Stern safety advice was dispensed after which they descended the cliff and left the area.”

The spokesman added “The Jurassic Coast is a wonderful place to come and visit and offers some splendid photographic opportunities.

“However, no photograph is worth risking your life and we strongly urge members of the public to read the local warning signs and use good judgement and common sense when visiting the area.

“Stay safe on the coast this school holiday.If you find yourself in difficulty, or if you are concerned for others, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”