Walkers warned to avoid dangerous river crossing

The mouth of the Cuckmere River has dangerous fast-flowing currents

Visitors to the Seven Sisters Country Park have been warned to keep to footpaths after some got into difficulty trying to cross a river where it meets the sea.

The incidents happened at the mouth of the Cuckmere River, in East Sussex.

The water can be deep and have fast and unpredictable currents when the river meets the incoming tide.

Several videos of walkers crossing the river mouth have been posted online, as part of a Seven Sisters hike trend on social media.

Claire Onslow, commercial manager for the park, said: "It's been very concerning to see groups of people crossing the water and often being knocked off their feet by the strength of the currents.

"The river mouth is hugely unpredictable and should never be used as a footpath.

"There are no lifeguards and it's an unnecessary risk to enter the incredibly fast-flowing, often very cold, water.

"A lot of people are trying to get the best view of the cliffs and we have designated routes to get to these viewpoints on either side of the river.

"We have lots of information on the best routes at our visitor centre, as well as on our website."

The Seven Sisters hike has become a social media trend

Mike Kerley, from HM Coastguard, said: "Crossing a fast-flowing river is risky in itself, but the added effects of tide, uneven depths and the cold can make it more dangerous.

"There is the very real chance of being swept out by the current or tide, suffering cold water shock, or encountering an obstacle under the surface.

"It's easy to get into difficulty in powerful stretches of water, so our advice is to use a safe crossing and enjoy your day. If you see an emergency by the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."