Sidmouth: 'Huge' dust cloud after cliff fall at Budleigh Salterton

A man from Exmouth witnessed a cliff fall in Budleigh Salterton at around 2pm today (Monday 6 December) that 'pretty much blocked the beach with debris right into the sea' and left a huge cloud of red dust hanging in the air.

Mark Vinnicombe, who saw it happen, said: "I was really surprised at the amount of the cliff that fell.

"It has pretty much blocked the beach with debris right into the sea.

"The dust cloud was huge with the red soil dust.

"Although [cliff] falls are regular, this one was much closer to Steamer Steps than previous falls.

"[It] also made us aware how vulnerable the cliff-side properties are, particularly the Pinewood nursing home."

It is currently unknown whether the cliff footpath has been affected.

A spokesperson for East Devon District Council said: "We are aware of a substantial rock fall that took place in Budleigh Salterton, covering the whole beach area nearest to Jubilee Park, today (6 December) at around 2pm. We have already inspected the top of the cliff, and once the storm has passed we will be sending engineers to inspect the area further.

"There is a significant risk of further rock fall as there are some very large cracks that have appeared. We would like to warn residents to please stay clear of the cliffs.

"The risk of cliff falls is well signed in this area, so members of the public need to adhere to warnings.

"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, although heavy rainfall can trigger incidences.

"We recommend that people enjoy East Devon cliffs from a distance and do not climb or sit directly beneath them. Please always follow the warning signs."