Selfie fans have been warned to steer clear of iconic cliffs after a new crack appeared in the cliffs sparking fears of a massive rockfall.
The dangerous crevice was spotted by coastguards at Seaford Head in East Sussex with environmental officials immediately warned of the risk.
Safety perimeters have now been put in place with coastal walkers urged to stay away from the area.
Maritime commander Mark Rodway OBE said: ‘One of our biggest problems is the ‘selfie-culture’ where people take great risks to get a dramatic photograph of themselves on a dangerous cliff edge – no selfie is worth risking your life for.
The dangerous crevice, pictured, was spotted by coastguards at Seaford Head in East Sussex with environmental officials immediately warned of the risk
Safety perimeters have been put in place at Seaford Head with coastal walkers urged to stay away from the area, pictured
He added:’It’s very clear that cliffs are unstable in places and we really can’t stress enough how important it is to keep back from the edge. There is no ‘safe’ place to be.
‘When standing at the bottom of the cliff, we would always advise people that they shouldn’t stand less than the height of the cliff away.
‘That means if the cliff is 25 metres high, don’t go closer than 25 metres towards it. Don’t be tempted to go and investigate recent cracks or falls and don’t risk going to the edge to get a dramatic photo.’
Earlier this year, the cliffs at Seaford Head were hit by three unexpected collapses in just two days.
Maritime commander Mark Rodway OBE said: ‘One of our biggest problems is the ‘selfie-culture’ where people take great risks to get a dramatic photograph of themselves on a dangerous cliff edge – no selfie is worth risking your life for’
Earlier this year, the cliffs at Seaford Head were hit by three unexpected collapses in just two days. Pictured is the more recent crack in the cliffs
A sign at the cliffs warns coastal walkers not to pass adding: ‘Standing too close to cliff edges is dangerous!’
The first took a huge section of the coastline with it – then before the final rockfall a giant crack tore into an 80ft chalk-face.
Rescuers found the body of a woman in her 20s who was believed to have fallen from a clifftop around the time of the dramatic collapse.
The Coastguard issued a similar warning at the time urging people to avoid the area after photographs came to light showing a person teetering near the edge despite the imminent danger.
The cliff collapses have created a mini tourist boom in the East Sussex town with some sightseers admitting they had travelled long distances to view the spectacle.
Cliff falls are known to happen along the stretch of coastline with warning signs and taped-off areas in place
James Longford and his wife Mary, both 35, watched the drama in June on the news and decided to drive 60 miles from South London to see for themselves.
‘The force of nature of quite awesome at times. It is a stunning bit of the coastline but we won’t be going onto the cliffs.
‘The winds are very strong today and it looks far too risky to be up there.’
Cliff falls are known to happen along the stretch of coastline with warning signs and taped-off areas in place to prevent tourists from getting too close to the edge and taking selfies.