FALLING rocks from a cliff onto a beach below buried a beautiful family dog killing it and narrowly missed the pet's owner this afternoon.

A family were with there with their Whipseyderry Beach, Newquay when overhanging rocks suddenly gave way and fell onto the dog which was below. The animals owner managed to scramble out of the way after another beachgoer warned him it was about collapse.

Posting the incident on its Facebook page HM Coastguard Area 11 Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Coastal Safety said the owner had given permission for the pictures to be used as a warning to others.

The rock fall seen from above the beach

The rock fall seen from above the beach

They said recent heavy rain and wind has meant there had been a lot of movement on cliffs with cracks appearing and them becoming unstable.

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Warning people of the dangers of unstable cliffs above beaches, the Facebook post said: "There has been a cliff fall on Whipseyderry Beach near Newquay this afternoon.

Unfortunately, the rocks fell on a beautiful family dog tragically burying it under the rubble and narrowly missed the owner who was warned by another member of the public that the cliff was about to give way for a second time.

"This family use this beach daily without any issues and want to warn other families and dog walkers of the danger the unstable cliffs are presenting to the public above that beach.

"Please keep well clear of the cliffs and be aware that following the recent rainy weather there are many unstable areas near the coast and sea.

"Do not put yourself or others at risk and if you need help or assistance call 999 and ask for the coastguard."