Beachgoers have been warned about digging giant holes in the sand after a six-foot pit was dug up near a cafe.

A group of children dug up the massive sand pit in Cornwall while their parents watched on and stood aside, according to the Polzeath Beach Ranger Service.

Posting a video of the 1.8m (6ft) hole on Facebook, the service said the families then left without filling the pit, and noted it was less than 10m from a licenced premises and hidden behind a merch trailer – making it harder to see when it is dark.

While a member of the public reported the pit and filled it in, the service said they were “shocked” by the size of the hole and added: “Thankfully, the sand didn’t dry out, and the walls stayed firm enough for long enough to prevent a collapse followed by crushing and/or suffocation of the little people.”

Wadebridge Community Fire Station also shared the video and said: “Playing in the sand may seem like harmless fun, but it can pose a serious danger if not done safely.

“Sand by nature is notoriously unstable and can suddenly collapse if you’re digging a hole, tunnel or piling it up beside you, often without warning.

“We’re not telling people they shouldn’t build sand castles or dig holes, but please consider the size and location of the hole. The larger it is, the higher the chance it may collapse.”

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Polzeath Coastguard added the fire service was “exactly right” and said: “These collapses are rare but can be lethal if you become trapped in one.

“There’s nothing wrong with digging holes at the beach and filling them with water for your kids to play in. But please be aware of the risks of digging larger holes and tunnels when at the beach.”

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In February, seven-year-old Sloan Mattingly died after being buried by sand while digging a 1.8m deep pit on a Florida beach.

She was buried for around 20 minutes and died after being taken to hospital.

Josh Taylor, 23, also died in December last year after falling into a large hole and becoming trapped in the sand on Bribie Island in Queensland.

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