Rescuers dash to Dorset coast after cliff collapses sparking fears beachgoers are trapped

Rescuers have dashed to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset after fears people may be trapped following a major cliff fall.

Tonnes of rock came crashing down onto the coast between Hive Beach and Freshwater Beach, Burton Bradstock, early Saturday morning.

Firefighters scrambled to the scene to help police following fears people may be trapped underneath the rubble.

Police have so far found no evidence of either bodies or survivors but have urged the public to get in touch if they have concerns and believe someone they know may have been on the beach at that time.

Recent heavy rainfall has made cliffs along the coast unstable with further rockfalls possible.

Geologists have previously warned that the Jurassic Coast’s cliffs ‘remain totally unpredictable.’

The spot where this morning’s slip was reported is close to where a young woman was killed by a rockfall in 2012.

A spokesman for Bridport Fire Station said: ‘One appliance from Bridport was mobilised to Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock this morning after reports of a cliff fall.

‘The police were in attendance and required our specialist equipment to ascertain whether any casualties might be underneath.

‘Crews carried out a visual inspection and used a thermal imaging camera to check for any possible casualties around the edge. Nothing was found.

‘The coastguard also attended and the incident was handed back to the police.’

The crew said the fall happened at approximately 6.30am and is located between Hive Beach and Freshwater Beach.

The spokesman added: ‘If you have concerns and believe someone you know may have been on the beach at that time please call 101 and report it to the police.

‘Please keep away from the cliffs and do not climb over the rock fall.

‘We have had a lot of rain and strong stormy seas battering the cliffs making them very unstable.

‘Cliff falls can happen at anytime without warning. Enjoy the the bank holiday weekend and stay safe.’