VISITORS are being urged to stay away from areas of Dorset's coastline after several people were seriously injured jumping from the top of Durdle Door's arch.

As reported, at least four people were encouraged to jump by baying crowds on the beach below yesterday, with thousands of people evacuated from the beach as the situation was declared a critical incident by emergency services.

Dorset Council has said today that the roads to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door remain closed, while the road to West Bexington has also been closed today.

Jonathan Mair, Dorset Council's Corporate Director, and Duty Gold Officer said: “Following multiple serious incidents at Durdle Door yesterday involving the emergency services, we have taken the decision to keep the roads to Lulworth and Durdle Door closed today on safety grounds.

"We have also just made the decision to close the road to West Bexington in West Dorset following health and safety issues there yesterday.

“We would ask people to please think twice before visiting Dorset’s beaches as they are becoming overcrowded and maintaining social distancing is becoming difficult."

The authority cannot close beaches or the privately owned Lulworth Estate car park - with thousands of people already at the beauty spot this morning. Landowner Lulworth Estates confirmed its car parks are open, with the main parking area already full.

James Weld, on behalf of Lulworth Estates, said: "We have decided that the car parks should be opened today as the public will still travel to the coast and if we do not provide parking they will park anywhere they can, returning to the chaos that ensued immediately following the relaxation of restrictions on May 13.

"This is proving to be the case with our staff reporting that the main car parks are already full."