Concerns have been raised that someone may have been trapped underneath a massive rockfall on the Jurassic Coast.

The significant landslip, which saw tonnes of rock crash down onto the sand and leaving other material hanging precariously from the cliff, occurred at Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock on Thursday morning. It happened just yards from the site of another huge rockfall back in the summer.

Authorities said yesterday there was some concern as the beach was busy at the time of the rockfall, and there's a possibility someone may have been hit by falling rocks.

However, no-one has been reported missing.

People have been urged to stay away from the site as rangers check the area. Further rockfalls are expected.

Read more: 500 metre portion of Hengistbury Head beach closed following landslip

Heavy rainfall has made cliffs along the coast unstable and further rockfalls can happen at any time.

Geologists have previously warned that the Jurassic Coast's cliffs 'remain totally unpredictable'.

A Dorset Council spokesman said: "There was a rockfall at Hive Beach at about 9.30am on Thursday. It is approximately 100 metres west of the Hive Beach Café.

"This fall is unstable and warning signs have been placed on the beach. Dorset Council rangers are looking to see what further precautions may be required. People should stay away from the fall, because there is there is an amount of rock that is expected to fall onto the beach soon.

"There is a concern that, due to the time this happened, someone may have been caught in the rock fall. There are no reports of missing persons, but the beach was busy, and people may have witnessed the fall. Dorset Police have been informed and will deal with any reported missing persons."

The spokesman added: "The Jurassic Coast is a wonderful place to visit, but it's important to use common sense and caution – stay away from the edge and base of cliffs and always pay attention to warning signs and safety messages.

"The coast path at the location is closed and has been for some time due to falls – the footpath has been rerouted inland through National Trust land."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "We were made aware of the incident by the council but have not received any reports of any missing people relating to this incident."

Local photographer James Loveridge managed to take some dramatic shots of the cliff fall with the assistance of a drone.

He said: "The pictures were taken at one of the lowest tides of the year, showing how this can happen at any time and you should only walk along the beach at Burton Bradstock and West Bay at low tide and during calm seas when you can get as far away from the base as possible."

The spot where this week's slip was reported is close to where holidaymaker Charlotte Blackman was killed by a rockfall in 2012.

The landslip is the third major cliff fall event on this stretch of coast since the summer.

Tonnes of rock came crashing down onto the coast between Hive Beach and Freshwater Beach in late August.

Rescuers were initially called to the scene as there were concerns people may have been underneath the rubble. Nothing was found - although people were urged to keep well away as further falls were likely.

Then in November a large section of cliff near West Bay dramatically collapsed.

Authorities had been expecting the cliff, close to Highlands End Holiday Park, to crumble after a crack opened up at the top a few weeks previously. The area had been monitored amid fears of collapse and the coast path was diverted.