A FAMILY has been pictured recklessly climbing on top of a recent rockfall - despite repeated warnings for the public to stay away.

Ignoring safety signs and stark warnings to stay away from the cliff fall at East Beach, West Bay, when 1,000 tonnes of rock came crashing down on to the beach last Tuesday, a couple were seen posing for pictures with their young children on top of the debris yesterday.

Steve Bennett, 52, from Sherborne, captured the shocking pictures.

"I was with my sister, who is visiting from Rugby," said Steve. "She wanted to see the cliffs famous for Broadchurch and she had seen the cliff fall on the news. She was amazed to see people, parents, young children climbing it and taking photos.

"The adult took two children and a dog up while the woman took photos. We were both amazed - what a crazy thing to do and especially with two young children."

The cliffs are prone to sudden rockfalls and are particularly vulnerable after periods of extreme weather, such as prolonged dry spells or constant, heavy rainfall.

In 2012, 22-year-old Charlotte Blackman died when a huge landslip occurred as she walked under the cliffs slightly further along the Jurassic Coast at Burton Bradstock.

An assessment carried out last Wednesday by the Jurassic Coast Trust’s geological expert found the section of cliff is currently in a condition in which it is more susceptible to falls, especially following heavy rain and strong wind.

Members of the public have been warned not to walk anywhere near the rockfall or the cliffs as the next rockfall could happen at any time - and the stormy winter weather has further increased the likelihood.

Experts have warned there is a heightened risk of more rockfalls along the coastline and the incident last Tuesday highlighted the ‘dynamic and potentially hazardous nature’ of the cliffs.

Advice is to:

  • Stay away from the edge of cliffs - admire the view from a safe distance. There are fantastic views from the pier in West Bay
  • Never lie or sit under the cliffs - there is very little chance of survival if caught under a rockfall
  • Always take note of warning signs – they are there because the dangers are real
  • Check tide times before you set off- avoid being cut off by incoming tides
  • Be aware of mud flows
  • Keep dogs on leads near the cliff edge

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WATCH: 1,000 tonnes of rock come crashing down as cliff collapses at West Bay