LUCCOMBE LANDSLIDE FEARS SEE COASTGUARD TEAMS DEPLOYED

Fears that a large landslide has occurred in Luccombe has seen Coastguard teams deployed to the area tonight (Thursday). A resident living on the Shanklin side of Luccombe – which sits between the coastal towns of Ventnor and Shanklin – reported their concerns to HM Coastguard earlier this evening. It’s said that 2 loud noises – described as being like thunder claps – were heard, followed by the sound of falling rock. It has prompted fears that a section of the coast has fallen away. Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bembridge and Ventnor have been tasked to investigate, but the weather conditions and darkness limit the opportunity to assess the potential damage. Daybreak is expected to shed some light on the situation, to confirm whether another landslide has occurred. Luccombe is adjacent to Bonchurch where 40 acres of land fell away on 10th December last year – described as the largest landslide recorded in Southern England. The village of Luccombe itself has seen a number of smaller landslides, 1 of which has forced an elderly male out of his home. The Isle of Wight coast is extremely vulnerable following one of the wettest winters on record. It takes around 10-12 weeks for water to seep through the land, meaning there could be movement for sometime to come. UPDATE @ 21:25 – Coastguard Rescue Officers are now standing down from the incident, pending any further information.