PEOPLE have been told to "stay away" from a west Dorset beach after police were called to a large rock fall.

The rock fall took place at East Beach, West Bay, overnight on Sunday at the cliffs made famous by award-winning ITV drama Broadchurch at West Bay.

Dorset Police are urging people to avoid the area, while experts say the rocks which have cut off the beach at high tide will be left for the sea to eventually wash away.

A police spokesman said: "Dorset Police were called at 9.21am to reports of a large landslide on East Beach in West Bay, Bridport.

"Members of the public are being advised to avoid the beach and cliff area in West Bay at this time due to the area being unsafe."

Police closed the coastal path from Freshwater to West Bay - but both the beach and path have been reopened following investigations from gologists and engineers. But people are still being advised to take care while at East Beach.

Speaking at the scene PC Tim Sturgess said: "We closed the beach after reports of a land slip.

"You can clearly see that it is a big landslide which has cut off the tide.

"We have closed the beach and the coastal path. People should certainly stay away from the area at the moment."

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The rock fall at West Bay, Picture: NPAS Exeter

Sam Rose, leader of the  Jurassic Coast World Heritage Team, said people should be careful when visiting any part of the beach.

He said: "It looks like a moderate rock fall.

"The advice for people is the same as every time something like this happens and that is to stay way from the beach and the cliffs. People should be careful about going onto the beach at all.

"We really do suggest that people take great care between West Bay and Freshwater."

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People were on the cliff overhang at West Bay, Picture: westbay.co.uk

There were also reports of people taking selfies and photographs on top of the East Beach cliffs over the weekend and another smaller rock fall has taken place nearer Freshwater at Burton Bradstock.

Experts are urging people not to put themselves in danger.

Mr Rose added: "Taking selfies at the top of the cliff is not advised at any time.

"People need to be aware of their surroundings - not just the cliffs, but the tide as well. This one has spread right across the beach so people need to be careful whenever they are on the beach.

"The sea will slowly or quickly, depending on the conditions, wash away the material. Nobody will move any or the rocks - it is a natural process."

Caroline Day, who was walking at East Beach yesterday, said: “There are so many obviously warning signs, and then you come down here at the weekend and there are dozens of people sitting under the cliff.

“This landslip has stretched out to the tide line, so even if you are away from the cliffs, you could still get caught up in it.

“This one is such an example of how much of the cliff can come down. I’m staggered that they have managed to stay up for so many years so far.”

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