The coastguard has issued a stark warning to reckless sightseers who were spotted standing perilously close to the edge of a cliff. Eastbourne Coastguard shared the alarming images on Facebook, taken on Sunday (August 17) during the popular Eastbourne International Airshow.

The photos show groups near Beachy Head in East Sussex, with one even showing individuals, including what appears to be a child, beyond the safety rope marking the safest distance from the cliff edge.

In their Facebook post, Eastbourne Coastguard asked: "Is a photo worth the risk of possibly losing your life? These photos were taking on Sunday during the Eastbourne air show."

They went on to explain that cliffs are inherently unstable and can collapse or crumble without warning due to erosion from the sea and weather.

They added: "This is another safety warning to the public that the rope is there for a reason, it is used as a guideline of how far from the cliff you should be, it is used to keep your safety a priority, majority of the time anyone standing on the edge of a cliff is practically standing on nothing, we advise to keep well back and NEVER put your children at danger!"

The post quickly drew comments from concerned members of the public.

One commented: "Locals should know. Visitors shouldn't just.. 'Roll the Dice.'".

Another chimed in: "It's one thing being an adult and doing that. Quite another asking your small child - who doesn't know the risk of death - to lean over the edge of a cliff."