PEOPLE are being urged to stay away from the base of cliffs at a beach in Swanage following “multiple landslips.”

Swanage Coastguard said the landslips at the north end of Swanage Bay are thought to have happened on Boxing Day.

It comes after days of heavy rain across Dorset which had seen a series of weather and flood warnings issued by the Met Office and Environment Agency.

Police said a member of the public reported a landslide blocking the beach underneath the Grand Hotel at 8.17am on December 27.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said officers attended along with the Coastguard.

On the scene, they discovered a number of small landslips.

Dorset Police said the local authority had been made aware and signs were going to be put in place warning the public.

Swanage Coastguard said: “Coastguard and Police are currently investigating reports of multiple land slips at the north end of Swanage bay.

“After many weeks of rain, the cliffs are now seeing some slippage due to the water content and high tides.

“Please stay clear from the base of cliffs, mud slides and be aware of the tides. Please observe the warning signs and tape.

The spokesperson added: “In an emergency call 999 and ask for Coastguard.”