Walker saved from waterlogged Swanage beach

A walker had to be rescued by fire crews after becoming stranded on an "extremely dangerous" stretch of beach.

Purbeck District Council has criticised people for ignoring the warning signs on Swanage beach, Dorset, which is situated near recent landslips.

The walker had to be pulled from the waterlogged mix of mud and sand by Dorset Fire Service on Friday.

Steve Mackenzie, chief executive of the council, said he was disturbed that warning signs were being ignored.

'Situation worse'

He added: "It is particularly worrying that someone could take a chance at high tide or in the dark when there is no one around to see them."

Parts of the cliff became unstable after heavy rain in December.

A council spokesman said: "Further wet weather in January made the situation worse, with significant landfalls to the north of Ocean Bay, particularly in the section between Burlington Chine and Sheps Hollow."

Charlotte Blackman, 22, from Heanor, Derbyshire, died on 24 July after the 160ft (49m) high cliff collapsed onto Hive Beach near Burton Bradstock.

Five people escaped unhurt after a landslide on 8 August between Charmouth and Golden Cap.