A LARGE part of the cliff at Bantham has fallen into the sea, but luckily no injuries were caused.

The cliff fell away on Sunday at Butter Cove on the coast path from Bantham Beach to Thurlestone Golf Club, leading to the police helicopter being scrambled to check that no one had been caught by the fall.

Paul Pedrick, Hope Cove Coastguard, said they had a search in the area earlier in the week and there 'was some movement then' with a large portion dropping on Sunday afternoon.

Paul continued: 'It's extremely dangerous. There's nothing really to see, so don't ignore the cordons and signs that are up. Stay away.

'There is a fault line around 100m long near to the eleventh hole of Thurlestone Golf Club – so I think this is the beginning of a large piece of erosion.

'It's in an extremely precarious position at the moment.

'If we get heavy rain, you may see another fall. From the Coast-guard point of view, we just need people to keep away and stay safe.'

The BBC showed footage of people risking their lives, looking out over the area of the landslip just hours before it collapsed.

Tim Page from Prawle Coastguard reiterated the danger and asked people to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you see anyone in danger.

Esther Pearson, director for the South West Coast Path Association, lives locally and visited on Monday morning with the helpful greenkeeping team from the golf club, who immediately swung into action to cut the grass along the temporary route to make it easier for walkers. This will be the fourth time the path has rolled back in this section as the cliff continues to erode.

Esther said: 'The South West Coast Path is one of the areas most important assets for visitors and locals to enjoy. Keeping it in good shape is the responsibility of the local authority but funding cuts over recent years have put this great asset at risk.

'The South West Coast Path is open for anyone to enjoy, we caution against wandering off the path and close to the cliff edge as we may expect to see further erosion. This is what makes our coastline so beautiful and dramatic.

'If you want to report a problem or offer to support our fundraising efforts get in touch with us at info@southwest coastpath.org.uk.

Want to help? The Thurlestone Golf Club will run its fundraising Golf Day for the South West Coast Path once again this year on the September 11.

Call 01752 896237 if you would like more information.