17 people rescued after landslide

A total of 17 people had to be led to safety after they became trapped by rising tides following a landslide on the Dorset coast.

A boy also had to be rescued after becoming stuck up to his waist in mud after parts of the cliffs near Charmouth in Dorset collapsed.

The coastal path at Evans cliff has disappeared and cracks have appeared in fields, according to the coastguard.

The landslide was described as the worst locally for more than 30 years.

'Take great care'

Those rescued included two hang gliders who had landed on the beach on the wrong side of the slip.

West Dorset District Council has closed the beach and put up signs warning the public to keep away.

Dave Gregory, Coastguard Watch Manager, said: "We would warn everybody to take great care whenever they are walking on cliff paths or beaches where there may be a possibility of cliff falls.

"We would also advise the public who frequent this area to heed the warning signs and closure notices established by the local authority."

A Portland Coastguard spokesman said: "Over the years it has been a very dangerous area for cliff falls."

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