The Maritime and Coastguard Agency are warning people against being near the water’s edge as ex-hurricane Ophelia approaches the south west coast.

A statement posted on the MCA Facebook page reads: "Tomorrow the south west UK might experience high winds and rough seas as ex-hurricane Ophelia approaches.

"Remember that playing chicken and wave-dodging is just not worth risking your life for - sometimes the waves will win.

"We cannot stress enough that piers, rocks, harbours and the water’s edge are not safe places to be when the weather is bad. It can be slippery and because there is little to hold onto even a small wave can come out of nowhere and quickly wash you under or over the rails and swiftly out to sea.

"No selfie or photograph is worth risking your life for. We want you and yours to come home to your loved ones today so please think carefully about the risks you take and be extremely careful when near any body of water during bad weather.

"If you see anyone in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Visit our coastal safety website for more tips on how to stay safe. www.gov.uk/coastguardsafety."