A shocked onlooker has spoken of his horror after spotting "stupid" tourists risking their lives for photos on a dangerous 150ft cliff edge.
Photographs taken at Seaford Head in east Sussex show a woman standing perilously close to the sheer drop as her friend appears to take a picture - with a huge crack visible directly under where she stands.
Operations manager Philip Carter, 61, captured multiple groups walking out to the end of the 50-metre high chalk cliffs, which are on a stretch of coastline known for regular collapses.
He said the incidents left him concerned that people would be willing to put themselves in potentially dangerous situations for a picture.
Recalling what he saw, the operations manager from Horsham, West Sussex, said: “Whilst down there I looked up at the cliffs and I noticed four people at the top.
“One of those, a young woman, was really close to the edge and I thought how could they be so stupid to risk their lives for a photograph.”
Thousands of tonnes of chalk fall from the cliffs each year, which stretch from the popular seaside town of Eastbourne to Seaford Head.
Such erosion can happen suddenly and without warning, posing a danger to both those on the cliff top and people walking or sitting on the beach below.
A sign reading 'Do Not Pass' is in place at the cliff edge warning tourists not to go beyond the safe area.
Responding to fears over people's safety, the local council has recently teamed up with organisations along the coast to urge the public to take care.
Cllr Claire Dowling, East Sussex County Council's lead member for transport and environment, said: “We are incredibly lucky to have such a beautiful coastline in East Sussex, which attracts visitors from far and wide.
“But the cliffs are extremely unstable and prone to regular chalk falls, putting visitors at risk if they don’t take care when on top of the cliffs or on the beach below.
“We want people to be able to come to East Sussex and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, but to do so safely.”
The RNLI said that while it does not condemn the actions of anyone who puts themselves in danger, they do also set out safety guidelines to help stop accidents happening.
The charity advised people to be wary of all edges around the sea and waterside, to stay well back from cliff edges and to keep dogs on short leads.
It also urged people to tell someone where they are going and when they expect to be back, and to always make sure they have a way of calling for help.
A spokesperson said: “The RNLI doesn’t condemn the actions of anyone who gets into the danger on the water or along our coastlines.
“We’re here to offer safety advice to help everyone stay safe and have an enjoyable time when they visit the coast.”
