Birling Gap cliff collapses during Sussex storms

The cliff fall was close to the steps which lead down to the shingle beach

Part of a cliff along the East Sussex coastline has collapsed during storms.

Coastguards said about about 9ft (3m) of the cliff at Birling Gap had gone into the sea during a tidal surge that hit the south coast.

Solent Coastguard said extra barriers and tape had been put up make sure walkers were aware.

A spokesman said the cliff edges were precarious and there were concerns the crumbling cliffs may attract fossil hunters.

No-one was injured in the cliff fall, he added.

Part of a cliff also collapsed into the sea at Rock-a-Nore, near Hastings, on Friday.

Coastguards said properties at Birling Gap were believed not to have been affected, but the cliff fall was close to steps which lead down the shingle beach and which were also closed because of storm damage.

Birling Gap, a dip in the cliffs near Beachy Head, has seen several cottages demolished during decades of coastal erosion.

The Environment Agency has warned communities on the south coast to stay vigilant as heavy rain and strong winds continue throughout the weekend.

The agency warned of high tides on Saturday and possible flooding along larger rivers.