East Devon District Council has issued this advice to residents following a cliff fall near Jacobs Ladder this morning (Friday October 25).

The council said that following a cliff fall at Jacob's Ladder Beach in Sidmouth, they would like to remind visitors to keep their distance from cliffs along the East Devon coastline.

Cliff falls are a natural and unpredictable occurrence along the East Devon coast. This is because the rock from which the cliffs are formed is soft, and therefore prone to rock falls, and landslides, which can happen at any time.

The council has placed warning signs that can be found on beaches managed by them. The absence of a sign does not indicate there is no risk and you should always take care around the cliffs of East Devon as all are made of soft rock and pose a cliff fall danger.

Good practice when on the beach is to stay well clear of the cliff base and keep an eye out for fresh fall material or water running down the cliffs which may indicate an area that is weakened and loose.

If in doubt, don’t walk under or near the cliffs. The Coastguard advises that beach users stay at least the height of the cliff away e.g. if a cliff is 20 metres high, a distance of 20 metres should be kept.

If a cliff fall does occur and you suspect that someone has been injured, call 999 immediately. Do not explore recent cliff falls as there is a risk of further falls. 

A comprehensive guide to staying safe around beaches and cliffs is available from the Coastguard.