By ASHLEIGH MCCAULL

Published: 20:07 GMT, 29 December 2025 | Updated: 20:21 GMT, 29 December 2025

An unstable cliff has sent massive boulders the size of cars plummeting into a popular south coast beach.

Hundreds of tonnes of debris blanketed the beach where just minutes before, dozens of people were walking around the shadows of the 130ft high cliffs at Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire.

New Forest District Council confirmed there were no reports of any injuries but authorities are still warning people to stay away from the unstable cliffs.

A few weeks ago a dog was killed after another rockfall along the same stretch of coastline.

Richard Harding recalled the moment he watched in horror as his beloved spaniel, Harley was buried alive under a landslide while he was walking his dog along the beach.

Harley was running around the beach off the lead when a section of cliff suddenly collapsed, leaving Mr Harding feeling helpless as he watched tonnes of mud and rock fall onto his three-year-old dog.

Despite the cliff remaining unstable, he risked his life digging through the fallen debris while desperately trying to find Harley.

But the coastguard told him Harley would have died, and it was not safe for him to stay under the cliff.

The moment a huge cliff gave way and caused a massive landslide with hundreds of tonnes of debris blanketing the beach

The cliff at Barton on Sea where a dog was buried alive after a landslip on December 8

A concerned resident said the risk of danger is even greater now a barrier fence stopping people from walking there had been pulled down.

He was devastated he had to leave the beach without Marley, who was buried under the rockfall and left with his other dog on December 8.

Mr Harding said: 'It wasn't great conditions. But we were out walking like we often do. I let my dogs off, they're little spaniels and they just run about, chasing sticks on the beach.

'I looked at her and then suddenly I just saw this massive landslide come off the cliff. She just completely disappeared underneath it.

'It was completely shocking and surreal.

'So I started digging and trying to find her and shouting for her, but I guess I kind of knew there was no way she was going to survive it.

'All the time you're digging, you're conscious that the cliff is unstable.

'My other dog was still there too. You're just thinking the cliff could come down again at any moment.

'The last thing I want is to stop people enjoying the beach. But people need to be aware of the dangers.

'Keep dogs away from the cliff, stay clear of the rough sea, and only walk there at low tide when it's safe.'

The latest cliff fall happened at about 4 pm on Sunday.