A rockfall on Tuesday has blocked part of the beach at Burton Bradstock in west Dorset.

Villager Tom Knapp, who lives in Bindbarrow, says that the fall occurred on Tuesday afternoon and was 'an accident waiting to happen'.

The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI), which provides eyes and ears along the coast, is aware of the fall.

It added that rocks are blocking the beach from the cliff edge to the low tide mark, although some of the fall is likely to be washed into the sea. 

The land and nearby car park is owned by the National Trust.

"It would have been major if it happened at the same time yesterday as there were four people in that place," Tom said.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

"There was a very severe overhang and it was an accident waiting to happen.

"The whole beach is terribly dangerous. People do not understand the danger."

Tom added that he has visited the beach to let coastwatch teams there know of the fall.

Warning signs are in place to warn people of the risks associated with overhanging cliffs and rockfalls, which pose a danger even at low tides.

The area has seen an increased number of rockfalls on the coastline in recent times. 

The NCI said it is difficult to predict the scale of this fall, but confirmed on Tuesday that it had been made aware of the incident to the west of the Hive Beach car park. 

It added that it is likely to block those walking along the beach - but strongly discouraged this due to the risk of repeated falls.

A part of the coastpath heading west towards the Freshwater holiday park has already been closed to walkers due to the risk of erosion, with diversions in place. 

Leo Henley-Lock, the National Trust's countryside manager for West Dorset, said: "The coast and cliffs along this stretch of the Jurassic Coast are unstable and naturally liable to landslips and falls at any time without warning.

"We would urge people to take the time to read warning signs in car parks and footpaths and follow their instructions so they can enjoy the coast safely. 

"People should always stay well back from the cliff edges, whether on or below them, and we ask people not to visit to the site as secondary falls may occur without warning."

A Dorset Council spokesman added in a statement: "Rockfalls can, and do, happen at any time. The Jurassic Coast looks the way it does because of erosion - meaning it is always on the move.

"The Jurassic Coast is a wonderful place to visit, but it's important to use common sense and caution – stay away from the edge and base of cliffs and always pay attention to warning signs and safety messages."