Huge cliff collapses as rocks fall within metres of sunbathing families | UK News

Dramatic footage shows how part of a popular Cornish beach has been cordoned off due to a cliff collapse, with people pictured still sunbathing below after the rocks collapsed.

Authorities have warned beachgoers to stay away from the Great Western Beach area in Newquay while the area is inspected and secured.

The footage showed rocks and debris on the ground, with buildings perched on the cliff edge above where the fall occurred.

Cornwall Council announced the collapse today, on one of the sunniest days of the year so far with the The Met Office is predicting a heatwave and a busy beach for tourists on summer holidays.

Commenting on the council’s Facebook announcement about the fall, one woman wrote: “It’s like Newquay falling into the sea.”

Others said the fall could be linked to the heavy amount of rain that fell recently, making the ground unstable.

Other commenters criticised bathers for ignoring advice and placing their towels too close to the cliffs, in case the fall was not over.

“People absolutely need to stay away because this is very dangerous,” wrote Brenda Jacobi. “We don’t want anyone injured or killed, emergency services are already working at full capacity. So, take care, everyone.”

Earlier this year, a cliff was filmed collapsing into the sea like a sandcastle at West Bay in Dorset.

Following the incident, Dorset Council warned of an “increased risk of landslides and rockfalls”.

It said: “Be particularly careful if you are visiting the coast this weekend as rockfalls and landslides can occur quickly and without warning.

“Please heed the signage and stay away from the edge and base of the cliffs.”

Cliffside homes offer stunning views, but they can also be a risky purchase, as one Hemsby man has discovered.

In an article published in the Metro newspaper last year, Kevin Jordan said of his house on the Norfolk coast: “Before I bought the house, the marine surveyors told me it would be safe for another 100 years or so.

“But it won’t last even 100 more days. The council officials told me I have to leave today because my house is unsafe and needs to be demolished.”

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