A substantial cliff fall in West Bay could have had catastrophic results - with members of the public sitting where the rocks fell only hours before.

The cliff fall has sparked yet another warning from the Coastguard of the dangers of sitting below cliffs.

At 5.08pm on Monday, West Bay Coastguard was paged by Solent Coastguard National Maritime Operations Centre to reports of a cliff fall on East Beach, West Bay.

Seven rescue officers, including the team’s station officer and deputy station officer, quickly responded, picking up their equipment and the team’s vehicle and heading for East Beach. O

n arrival, the cliff fall was quickly identified and a hasty search of the area was carried out to check for signs of anyone being injured or trapped.

Eye-witnesses were spoken to and confirmed that no one was in the vicinity at the time and thankfully no people seemed to have been involved.

The team then took photographs of the fall and also a grid reference to send back to Solent Coastguard for cataloguing.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: “It is worth noting that earlier in the day, two members of the team were patrolling the area and spoke to members of the public who were sat under the cliffs very close to, if not under where this fall took place.

“Needless to say that the results could have been catastrophic had someone been sat under the cliffs when this fall occurred.

“Our coastline is a stunning but ever changing natural environment.

“Coastal erosion including cliff falls, landslides and mudslides are all a part of this environment and we want you all to stay safe.

“Stay well away from the base of the cliffs, the cliff edge, and never climb the cliffs or on recent rockfalls as the debris could be unstable.

“Read the local warning signs and have a fantastic summer.

“But if you find yourself in difficulty or if you are concerned for others, do not hesitate. Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

In July 2012, Charlotte Blackman was killed by a 400-tonne rockfall at West Bay.

The spokesman added: “Whenever the team is out on patrol, we always check East Beach and give safety advice to those who have set themselves up for the day under the cliffs - this is why.”