‘It was scary and I am still in shock’: Warning of sinkholes on Eastbourne beach

A dog walker has warned others about sinkholes on the beach at Eastbourne after she says her dog fell into one.

Paula Bradley shared what happened on Facebook last week, “I don’t know if this has happened to anyone else, but I have just had a very scary experience on the beach with my dog.

“The tide was fully out and he was running about on the sandy bit when he disappeared down what I expect was a sink hole by the very end of a groyne. Luckily he’s a big strong dog and swam and pulled himself out before I could get to him.

“It was about four groynes down to the left of the pier. I am just concerned it could happen to anyone else especially with a child or a smaller dog. I was not aware of sink holes around the pier.

“I’m sure it wasn’t just a normal knee deep puddle like some suggested. My dog’s head went right down and he was swimming and clawing his way out.

“My dog is a Belgium shepherd and is almost as tall as me when he stands on his hind legs and I’m 5 ft 2.

“Believe me it was scary and I am still in shock. My dog is fine though.”

The Seafront Services within Eastbourne Borough Council said it hasn’t seen any sinkholes or received any reports of sinkholes on the beach.