Reckless tourists take selfies on cliff edge near Beachy Head on same day 100m stretch of rock tumbled into the sea nearby
Coastguards issued warnings over concern for public safety as the dry weather makes the cliffs giving way 'more likely'
TOURISTS ignored warnings to stay away from cliff edges and posed for selfies after a couple were forced to run for their lives when rocks gave way.
The beach at Birling Gap near Eastbourne had to be closed on Sunday because of the risk to public safety.
But despite warnings lots of people were still seen standing or sitting close to the edges taking selfies or trying to look over the cliffs.
A major search was carried out on Saturday after a 100 metre stretch of cliff along the Sussex coast gave way.
No-one was injured but a couple walking on the beach had a narrow escape.
Jason Edwards told the : "This huge cliff face just missed me and my girlfriend, we literally ran for our lives."
Coastguards issued a warning telling people there was a "possibility of more falls" and that they should "give the cliff edges a very wide berth" and not to get too close.
But on Sunday, after council chiefs took the decision to close Birling Steps leading down to the beach, people were ignoring the warnings.
The beach and cliffs are just a few miles away from Beachy Head - a well-known tourist location, but sadly also known as a suicide spot.
A statement from Wealden District Council posted on its Facebook page on Sunday morning said: "Following a cliff fall yesterday at Birling Gap, we have closed access to the beach from Birling Gap steps today. We apologise for any inconvenience.
"Please stay away from cliff edges and the foot of cliffs."
This came after the Coastguards issued the warning on Saturday.
They said the dry weather, followed by rain then more dry weather had made the cliffs unstable and rock falls "more likely".
A statement said: "HM Coastguard coordinated a search at Birling Gap beach this afternoon after a significant cliff fall.
"No-one has been injured and there are no reports of anyone missing following an intensive search of the area, involving Coastguard rescue teams, a Coastguard rescue helicopter and Newhaven RNLI lifeboat as well as involvement from Sussex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue.
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"However, Birling Gap Coastguard Rescue officers on scene today are very concerned about public safety and the possibility of more falls and are warning people to give the cliff edges a very wide berth and not to get too close to the top of cliff edges or approach the base of cliffs either.
"As seen in other parts of the country this weekend, the period of dry weather, followed by rain and then a return to warm dry conditions again is increasing the risk of cliff instability and it makes cliff falls more likely."
One Facebook user posted: "A few hours after this happened we were still on the beach and saw people stood up on the cliff literally above where there had been this big fall and a huge group of people stood by the wall up behind the Coastguard cottages. Crazy."