Coastguards were scrambled after fears that people might be trapped beneath a major landslide at Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis, yesterday (Monday).

Rescue officers and the Portland-based helicopter were both initially despatched to establish whether members of the public on the beach at the time had been caught in the landslide.

But eye witness accounts reported to coastguards on scene and aerial surveillance quickly established that no persons were in immediate danger.