Port Mulgrave landslip near Whitby leaves dangling staircase

Alastair Smith Port Mulgrave cliff fall (Jan 2021)Alastair Smith
The metal staircase at Port Mulgrave had been installed recently

A metal staircase has been left dangling precariously after part of a cliff fell away in a landslip.

The steps, above Port Mulgrave beach, north of Whitby, had been recently installed

Visitors have been warned that further landslips could occur and urged to stay away from the top and bottom of the cliff.

Rich Lynas, from Staithes Coastguard, said the landslip was caused by recent heavy rain which subsequently froze.

The staircase remains taped off, meaning there is no access to the beach.

In a statement, the coastguard said: "Visitors to the coast should keep away from cliff edges and the base of cliffs due to continued erosion.

"Our guidance is to stay away from the base of a cliff the same distance as the cliff's height, and remain on designated cliff paths away from cliff edges."

In October 2018 a fossil hunter was rescued after a mudslide at Port Mulgrave, and in August 2018 a nine-year-old girl died when rocks fell from the cliff at nearby Seaton Garth beach.

Alastair Smith Port Mulgrave cliff fall (Jan 2021)Alastair Smith
The coastguard warned people to stay clear of the steps and not to attempt any makeshift access
Staithes Coastguard Port Mulgrave cliff fall (Jan 2021)Staithes Coastguard
The coastguard shared images taken from the top of the steps
Presentational grey line

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].