'Broadchurch' cliff fall: West Bay beach and coast path closed Published duration 13 March 2019

image copyright West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team image caption An estimated 1,000 tonnes of rock and debris has cut off the beach between West Bay and Freshwater

A section of beach that featured in the ITV crime drama Broadchurch has been shut after a large cliff fall.

About 1,000 tonnes of rock and debris fell at East Beach in West Bay, Dorset, at about 17:30 GMT on Tuesday, the coastguard said.

Following searches by coastguard teams, fire crews and rescue dogs, no-one is believed to be trapped in the rubble.

The Jurassic Coast path and beach between West Bay and Freshwater were closed for a time.

image copyright ITV image caption The ITV drama Broadchurch is set in a fictional town in Dorset

image copyright Dorset County Council image caption The Jurassic Coast path between West Bay and Freshwater was closed following the rockfall and has since reopened

Engineers and a geologist are inspecting the area.

A West Bay Coastguard spokesman said: "Please stay well away from the cliff fall and surrounding area as further cliff falls could happen at any time and without warning."

The Jurassic Coast Trust said the fall had left "potentially dangerous overhangs" and repeated warnings to stay clear from the base and top of the cliffs.

"This type of fall happens suddenly and normally without warning, and is part of the process of natural erosion that makes our World Heritage coastline so beautiful and important for understanding the history of our planet," a statement said.

In 2012, tourist Charlotte Blackman died at nearby Hive Beach when she was buried under a rockfall.

West Bay featured in ITV series which starred Oscar winner Olivia Colman and David Tennant.

image copyright Sam Rose Photography image caption About 1,000 tonnes of rock and debris fell at East Beach in West Bay

image copyright Sam Rose Photography image caption People were photographed not heeding advice to stay away from the foot of the cliffs earlier