Beach closes after cliff collapse

Coastguards described the collapse as "significant"

A beach on the Isle of Wight has been closed after part of a cliff broke loose and crashed towards the shore.

Walkers were in the Shanklin Chine area when the 10ft long stretch of cliff collapsed on Sunday, but no one was hurt.

Coastguard lifeboat and helicopter teams were scrambled to the scene to help police.

The coastguard helicopter surveyed the area and reported large cracks on the cliffs. Other smaller falls have also taken place.

Cars were swept up in the last landslide

Hampshire police said the area would remain closed while local officials decided what to do about the unstable cliffs.

Solent Coastguard watch manager Bob Knox said: "People are advised to stay well clear of the area.

"The police have shut the beach from the Fisherman's Hut onwards along the esplanade and have requested that the public assist the emergency services by staying away from the area and easing congestion."

The island has been suffering from falls after last winter's heavy rain caused weakness in the chalk cliffs.

In March this year six people were injured after a 6,000 tonne mudslide hit a pub and block of flats near the same location in Shanklin.