Massive rockfall blocks Seatown beach in west Dorset

The substantial landslip occured at Seatown beach overnight on Thursday.

Eyewitnesses believe that it is even bigger than the landslide between Seatown and Eype beach in 2021 which was believed to be one of the biggest cliff falls in the area in decades.

Dramatic drone pictures released in January showed a huge section of rock coming away from the cliffs at the same location. 

People have even been spotted walking along the cliff edge hours after the incident.

Residents are being urged to stay clear of the area as the cliffs remain unpredictable, with safetey warnings given by the emergency services.

"There has been a large landslip overnight at Seatown," Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

"Please remember that if you are visiting the coast and walking the coast path, stay away from cliff edges and don't sit at the base of the cliffs.

"Cliff falls are a greater risk due to the recent dry weather."

Dramatic drone pictures taken by James Loveridge show the full extent of the latest landslide, which has completley blocked off a large section of the beach.

James said: "It looked much bigger from the air than on the ground. The aerial photos help show how wide the fall is.

"I wasn't expecting it to be bigger than the fall in April 2021, which was described as the biggest in 60 years on the Jurassic Coast."

A Dorset Council spokesman said in an earlier 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."

Pedestrians have been spotted walking near the cliff edge following the landslide (Image: James Loveridge Photography)

It comes after several recent rockfalls in the Jurassic Coast area at Charmouth, West Bay and Burton Bradstock. 

The National Trust previously said in a statement: "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 – particularly after extreme weather including heavy rainfall and hot dry periods.

"We 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 slips when they occur, as secondary slips may occur without warning."