EMERGENCY services were on hand after a huge cliff fall happened at an East Devon beach this weekend.

Harry Mockridge www.sidmouthherald.co.uk

There was a large cliff fall in Budleigh Salterton Saturday (July 26). (Image: Mark Newton)

A huge dust plume fell across Budleigh Salterton Beach after a cliff fall [Saturday] (July 26) around 3:50pm.

People were trapped after being stranded on the wrong side of yesterday’s cliff fall. Sidmouth Lifeboat, along with other lifeboat crew members, helped safely return people to Budleigh Beach after the fall.

Shortly after the incident, police were on the scene and taped off the area, with the South West Coastal Path closed at points, resulting in no access.

A police helicopter was also spotted in the skies after the cliff fall.

East Devon cliff fall leaves huge dust plume by the beach yesterday (Saturday July 26). (Image: Beer Coastguard)

A spokesperson from Sidmouth Lifeboat said: “Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat was tasked by Solent Coastguard after a significant cliff collapse at Budleigh Beach.

“The crew’s primary objective was to search for anyone caught in the fall zone and to support Beer and Exmouth Coastguard teams already on scene.

“Upon arrival, lifeboat crew members discovered several people stranded on the wrong side of the cliff fall. Two individuals were safely transferred back to Budleigh Beach.

“Thank you to all volunteers and agencies involved for their swift response and teamwork.

“Please remember: cliffs along this stretch of coastline are unstable. Keep a safe distance from the base and the edge, and follow all local safety warnings.”

Yesterday’s cliff fall comes just five months after the East Devon County Council inspected the cliffs at Budleigh Salterton Beach.

The council is actively working on coastal protection schemes to mitigate cliff falls, particularly in areas like Seaton Hole. 

These schemes involve strengthening defences at the base of cliffs, such as adding rock armour and repairing seawalls and gabions – like the £1.4 million project at Seaton Hole, which is due to start in August 2025.