Diversions after South West coast path falls

Heavy rain led to a fall in the red sandstone cliffs of Sidmouth in Devon

Heavy rain has led to five diversions on the coastal path around Devon and Cornwall.

A South West Coast Path spokesman said there had been an "exceptional" amount of landslips in the past two weeks.

It is warning walkers on the 600-mile route from Minehead to Poole to beware of landslips and report any more.

Diversions are in place at Crock Point on Exmoor, Porthallow and from Talland Bay to Looe in Cornwall, Thurlestone to Hope Cove and at Seaton in Devon.

Mark Owen of South West Coast Path said: "We are working with local authorities and landowners to find suitable alternative routes."

The organisation estimates that coast path walkers spend at least £222m every year.

In Sidmouth, Devon, a rain-soaked cliff top plunged 100ft to the beach.

The moment was captured by 70-year-old John Austin who spotted a crack in the red sandstone cliffs.

He said: "It's the first time I've seen anything like that."

Local residents in Cliff Road have now seen large parts of their rear gardens disappear from sight.