WALKERS are being urged to avoid a Weymouth cliff after huge cracks appeared in the ground.

A cliff fall between Bowleaze Cove and Redcliff Point has left fissures in the side of the cliff.

Coastguards have warned people to stay away from the area until it has been assessed for safety.

"Quite a large area of the cliff has fallen away," said a spokesman for Portland Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

He added: "It's between Bowleaze Cove and Redcliff Point at the highest point behind the Riviera Hotel.

"The cliff top is actively breaking away in large slabs and cracks have been observed over a hundred yard stretch, so avoid the area at all costs.

"Council officers and geologists are attending to inspect the area."

Sam Rose, manager of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, said: "It is a fairly active piece of coastline and we don't know whether the coastal path will be affected, but we will have someone on the ground tomorrow.

"If you see movement like that, keep well away."

Weymouth resident Liz Emery has noticed the crack developing over the last few weeks.

She said: "Myself or my husband walk the dogs over the fields every day.

"I first noticed a small crack and ground movement on March 21 so took a picture and a week later it had spread further across and was a lot bigger.

"I've found it fascinating, but it's scary how quickly it has happened."