Emergency services were scrambled after five people were spotted attempting to climb the cliffs at Bedruthan Steps on Thursday afternoon.

Newquay and Padstow Coastguard Search and Rescue teams and Newquay RNLI lifeboats attended the scene at about 4pm after concerned people dialled 999.

Coastguard members discovered the people at the top of the cliff after found the National Trust staircase had been padlocked shut. They were given safety advice about the dangers of climbing the cliff and why the staircase had been padlocked due to instability of the cliff face.

The padlocked gate (Padstow Coastguard)

A spokesperson for Padstow Coastguard said: “Coastguard Rescue Officers arriving on scene spoke to the first informants who had dialled 999 and quickly located the group on the cliff top. 

“Having ascertained that all persons were safe and accounted for, relevant safety advice was given re the specific dangers at this location.

“The group had accessed the beach and climbed the closed staircase. Finding the gate locked, they descended the staircase and elected to climb the cliffs.

“We would remind everybody that the National Trust staircase at Bedruthan steps is closed due to the instability of the surrounding cliffs.

“The gate is permanently locked and there is no safe access to the beach. 

“There is a high probability that 999 calls will be received from concerned bystanders, resulting in taskings for HM Coastguard and the RNLI.

“In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”