POLICE and Coastguards were called to Durdle Door again on Sunday after people started climbing up the arch.

Three people were injured after jumping into the water on Saturday egged on by the crowds below, many of whom were reportedly intoxicated.

Two helicopters airlifted the casualties who were seriously injured to hospital.

Dorset Council closed roads leading to Lulworth and Durdle Door on Sunday but thousands had ignored the closure signs and the car parks were already full by early morning.

A spokesman for Lulworth Coastgaurd said: "The team have just retired from another call to Durdle Door.

"Solent Coastguard - Operations Centre requested the team to assist the police in removing people from the arch at 12:50 this afternoon.

"The team arrived and worked with the police to clear the high ground that leads to the arch.

"With no further persons in trouble, the team were stood down and returned to station."

Police and council chiefs have made yet another plea for people to stay away.

Dorset Council’s Corporate Director and duty Gold Command Officer Jonathan Mair said: “It is vital that everyone continues to act responsibly. This weekend, with continued good weather, the number of visitors to the county has increased significantly. This is putting pressure on local beauty spots and beaches and we are seeing people not able to social distance properly.

“Unfortunately a number of people are parking inconsiderately and sometimes dangerously. We have taken measures to close a number of roads in the county today for safety reasons.

“If an area is busy, please head home and don’t add to the crowds. Our priority is to protect residents and visitors health and wellbeing and for them to stay safe.”

The Government’s health advice has not changed – we all still need to stay at home as much as possible to help stop the spread of the virus. 

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said:
“The images circulated from Durdle Door yesterday show that too many people made the decision to go the beach rather than going elsewhere.

“The critical incident that occurred in this area demonstrates how important it is to act responsibly and not overcrowd our beaches.

“If an emergency situation arises, we need to be able to clear an area to allow for the treatment of seriously injured people. As there were too many people on the beach, we had no option but to put people together in to allocated areas to allow helicopters to land.

“Yet again, we would remind the public that if an area looks too busy, please go home or elsewhere.

“We enforce the law and not Government guidance or advice so we are unable to enforce social distancing, the wearing of masks or avoiding public transport.

“I am encouraging you all to do the right thing to avoid spreading the virus and reduce the impact on local communities.”