Massive chunk of Sussex cliff teeters on brink of collapse as giant crack opens up after heavy rain

A massive crack has opened up in the chalk cliffs of West Sussex after torrential rain, with walkers and selfie-snappers warned to stay away. 

The Coastguard has issued a safety warning after the dangerous cliff crack opened up on Sunday evening at Seaford Head.  

The gulf in the world famous 500 foot chalk cliffs has been cordoned off and the council has been informed.

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: ‘One of our biggest problems is tackling the “selfie culture” where people take risks to get a dramatic photograph of themselves on a dangerous cliff edge or during a tidal surge – no selfie or photograph is worth risking your life for.’

‘We want people to enjoy themselves on the coast by making sure their visit is one to remember and not one they’d rather forget.

‘It’s a well-known fact that the cliffs along the UK coastline are continually eroding, with pieces falling from them that can be just a few small rocks or as large as a car. 

‘It’s impossible to predict when the next piece might fall or how big it will be.

‘Periods of intense rainfall followed by dryer warmer weather will often make cliff edges more vulnerable. 

‘We’ve seen a number of cliff collapses around the UK coastline in recent months. 

‘It’s very clear that cliffs are very unstable in places and we really can’t stress enough how important it is to keep back from the edge. 

‘There is no ‘safe’ place to be.’ 

Cracks have been reported along the Sussex coastline for many years.  

A prominent crack appeared in the cliffs near the Seaford Head Golf Course three years ago.

Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Team have investigated the crack and Seaford Council were also informed. 

Safety barriers have been erected long the coastal path for the public’s protection. 

Walkers are being urged to steer clear of the unstable area.