COASTGUARDS have urged beach-goers to be aware of the dangers following a landslip at Swanage beach.

Warning signs have been erected at Shep's Hollow after the landslip took place on Tuesday.

The worry is, coastguards say, that people may find themselves cut off by the tide, or stranded in the new mud flows at the base of the cliffs.

Swanage coastguard spokesman said: "There are a lot of considerations made before we put signage out along with discussions with partner agencies.

"Too much signage and its ignored, no signage and people are put at risk. Some years ago we rescued three people who had got stuck in mud flows, and the cliff at Shep's Hollow could see the same situation."

Coastguards say the clay is very soft, posing a risk of people or small dogs getting stuck.

"A fair amount could still come down," said the spokesman. "That mixed with high tides can create very soft sand."

Swanage Beach remains open.