‘EXTREMELY dangerous and not worth risking your life,’ is the reaction from coastguards after seeing two people perched on top of a cliff with their legs dangling over the edge.

This photograph was taken just to the east of Charmouth on Tuesday.

Two youngsters, thought to be trying to take a selfie, sat on the cliff edge with their legs dangling over.

A spokesman for Lyme Regis Coastguard Rescue Team said: “This is extremely dangerous and simply isn’t worth risking your life for.

“The Jurassic Coast is a beautiful place to come and visit, but it is also an ever-changing and dynamic natural environment.”

There have been repeated warnings in recent weeks to exercise caution when visiting the Jurassic Coast.

While the coastguard frequently issues advice on how to stay safe, there have been stark warnings in the wake of a huge rockfall at West Bay earlier this month, when part of East Cliff collapsed and 1,000 tonnes of rock and debris toppled onto the beach, narrowly missing beachgoers.

The spokesman said: “The truth is that we just don’t know when the next cliff fall might occur. It could be in the next 50 seconds or the next 50 years.

“It’s the unpredictability of these dangers which poses the greatest risk and people have lost their lives in the area of coastline where this picture was taken. There is very clear signage on the beach and at the base of the cliffs which clearly states there is a danger and that serious risk of injury or death.”

Advice is to:

  • When walking along the cliff path, keep well away from the edge of the cliff, keep your dog on a lead and keep your children close by
  • When walking on the beach under the cliffs, stay well away from the base of the cliff

The spokesman added: "We just want everyone to be aware of the local hazards, use good judgement and common sense - and take home only happy memories."