Eight people have been rescued on the Isle of Wight after they were cut off by a rockfall.

“Socially distanced” procedures were used in the aftermath of the incident at the popular seaside resort of Shanklin.

HM Coastguard, the police, firefighters, a lifeboat and a search and rescue helicopter were involved in the operation.

Officials have stressed that there is nothing to suggest that any of the members of the public were breaching government guidelines designed to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Despite fears over the rockfall, no one was injured.

The eight people were out in two groups on exercise walks at the time.

HM Coastguard’s senior maritime operations officer David Hurden said: “There is nothing to suggest these two separate groups were breaking lockdown rules.

“They were socially distancing each other on a walk near to their homes.

“We’re thankful that no one has been injured in the incident and that people did the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.”

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