COASTGUARDS have warned people not to sit near fragile cliffs after two people were pictured under the overhang at Hive Beach.

Photographer James Loveridge snapped the pair this morning in the same area a massive rock fall killed 22-year-old holidaymaker Charlotte Blackman in 2012.

Sam Rose, leader of the Jurassic Coast team, warned that there was "a clear danger of death".

He said: "The cliffs at Hive Beach are fascinating. There have been a lot of cliffs falls all along that area and they can happen at any time.

"People should just use some common sense and stay away. It doesn't take much to see what might happen if you sit under an overhang. You just need to look down the beach and you will see where rock falls have taken place.

"There is no way of predicting when rock falls will happen but we take the same advice that the National Trust offer which is that there is a clear danger of death."

Mr Loveridge advised the people pictured to move to a safer location.

He said:"I'd just popped down to the beach to take some photographs and a man was sat there with his two kids watching the waves.

"I went over and had a word and said it's not a safe place to sit and they seemed a bit surprised but were nice enough about it and moved back towards the beach. They said they weren't local but were regular visitors to the area."

West Bay Coastguard is appealing for the public to stay safe along the “unpredictable” coastline.

Jake Lanning, rescue officer for West Bay Coastguard, said: “Our coastline is a beautiful but ever changing environment.

“Coastal erosion, cliff falls and landslides are a natural part of this and members of the public should remain vigilant. We have suffered numerous cliff falls and landslides over the last month and the recent weather has contributed to the unpredictable nature of our coastline.

“Never walk or sit directly under the cliffs, stay away from the cliff edge when walking on the coastal path and always keep your dog on a lead. Do not climb on recent cliff falls as the rocks and debris could be unstable and may cause injury.

"We want you to have a fantastic time this spring but we also want you to stay safe.”

Anyone in difficulty or who thinks anyone else is in trouble along the coastline should dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.