Emergency services were scrambled after a group of people were spotted attempting to access a popular beach, which has been closed off to the public.

HM Coastguard Padstow Search & Rescue Team were tasked to attend Bedruthan Steps after people were seen climbing over railings on Monday at about 12.30pm.

Team members discovered that the locked gate to the damaged staircase had been forcibly opened. 

The team established that no people were on the beach where walkers are regularly cut off by the tide.

The Coastguard made arrangements with the National Trust to permanently secure the staircase gate.

A significant rock fall damaged the steps to the beach in 2019, which means access to the beach was closed, and remains closed for the foreseeable future. 

The stairs to Bedruthan beach remain closed while the National Trust and experts work to ascertain if access can be reinstated. 

No alternative route is available and the RNLI and National Trust are strongly advising visitors not to try and find alternative routes onto the beach.

A spokesman for padstow Coastguard said: “Please be advised that the staircase is closed for good reason.

"There are several signs explaining this, including one on the gate itself. 

“If you are seen ignoring this advice and attempting to access the beach, it is likely to result in the team being tasked on an accident prevention basis.

“While we appreciate that there are many people who love this particular location, please understand that we have no further information re any plans to repair the staircase or stabilise the surrounding cliffs.”