TWO fossil hunters sparked a coastguard search after they were spotted during Storm Freya.

A concerned member of the public called for help shortly before 7pm on Sunday after seeing flashing lights about 1.5km east of Charmouth.

Thinking someone was in difficulty, as the area was experiencing high winds due to the storm, they dialled 999.

Lyme Regis coastguards responded with three officers who accessed the beach and found the lights belonged to two people looking for fossils.

They were safe and well and asked to leave the beach for their own safety. The beach was then checked again to make sure there were no further ‘lights’

The alert came just days after Lyme Regis coastguards and the RNLI issued a stark warning to people risking their lives as they ignore the dangers of the Jurassic Coast.

The warning was issued after incidents in which seven people were cut off by the tide and photographs emerged of a couple and four children climbing in the mud on a cliff at Charmouth.

Volunteer Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat operations manager, Nick Marks, said: “The evidence of people climbing the cliff with children is a serious concern, as is those who become cut off by the tide.

“I fear serious injury, or even loss of life, is a real possibility when people do not take seriously the dangers that the coast presents.

“That is not to say they should not enjoy the coast but it is to emphasise that they must take great care and plan their activities according to the conditions.”

Photographs were taken by an eyewitness on the beach at Charmouth, who said: “I was horrified to see two adults and four children, all apparently under the age of 10, climbing the cliff.

“Mud was actually falling off the cliff at the time. I also saw two wellington boots stuck in the mud and presumably abandoned by their wearers.”

Coastguards, who have dealt with several incidents involving people cut off by the tide or trapped on cliffs, have also issued many warnings and advice.

Nick Bale, station officer at Lyme Regis coastguard, said: “We carried out six rescues in the space of 72 hours. In all cases the casualties have put themselves in unnecessary danger through lack of forethought and ignoring straightforward advice and signage. Their rescuers have also been put into these dangerous situations."

Coastguard advice is:

n Do not put yourself at risk by climbing cliffs or investigating muddy areas as you can easily become stuck. If you do become stuck, remain calm and keep as still as you can

n If you find yourself in difficulty at sea, on the beach or the cliffs or if you see something which gives you cause for concern do not hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard