PART of a cliff has collapsed at West Bay, sparking safety warnings.

It comes after authorities warned of the dangers of landslides and rock falls along the Jurassic Coast and urged people to take care.

People have also been spotted clambering over landslips around Swanage Bay.

The area has been battered by heavy rain for weeks which has destabilised cliffs. The amount of rain that’s fallen makes cliffs even more susceptible to collapse.

When walking on or near the coast, advice is as follows:

* Stay away from the edge of the cliff top - admire the view from a safe distance

* Stay away from the base of cliffs: rock falls and landslides can happen at any time n If the cliff is 25 metres high, don’t go closer than 25 metres towards it

* Pay attention to warning signs – they are there for your safety

* Check tide times before you set off to avoid being cut off by incoming tides

* Be aware of mud flows extending across the beaches – don’t get stuck

* Keep dogs on leads near the cliff edge

* Enjoy the open spaces and keep well clear of the cliffs

* Beware of steep, shelving beaches and large waves

* Don’t hammer into the cliffs or solid rock looking for fossils

Geologist Sam Scriven has previously said the location of West Bay’s cliffs means they face the ‘full force’ of any storm and ‘bear the brunt’ of bad weather.

A spokesman for Bridport Fire Station said: “Enjoy the open spaces and keep well clear of the cliffs.”