A fire engulfed a cliff in front of shocked beachgoers.

The huge fire broke in Bournemouth yesterday afternoon.

Flames could be seen and smoke billowing from the West Cliff area.

According to the fire service, the blaze started accidentally in a beach hut due to cooking. It affected three beach huts and approximately 100 square metres of heath on the cliff face.

It was called shortly before 4pm and crews from Redhill Park, Springbourne, Westbourne and Christchurch, together with the aerial appliance from Westbourne, rushed to the scene. Additional crews were also called for.

Dorset Police had advised people to avoid the area. A cordon was put in place for the safety of members of the public.

The fire caused significant smoke across the promenade and across West Hill Road. People were asked to stay away from the area and to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution.

At about 6pm a spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The fire at West Undercliff in Bournemouth is now out, crews are still damping down but we are scaling back our attendance. The blaze started accidentally in a beach hut due to cooking. It's now safe to open doors/windows if you're in local area."