An urgent warning has been issued after children dug a huge 1.8m sandpit on a beach, which rangers fear could have had deadly consequences.

It was dug by a group of children on Polzeath beach in Cornwall. Some of them were only 3 feet tall, making the hole twice as high as they were. The hole was left unfilled.

Beach authorities said the banks could have collapsed and buried beachgoers or other beachgoers.

A spokesman for Polzeath Beach Rangers Service said: “We are shocked that the parents of several children were left standing for several hours while they dug this two-metre hole of sand.

“Congratulations to the kids for their perseverance and physical endurance in digging a hole deeper than they are capable of reaching. You are not to blame in this scenario.

“Fortunately, the sand did not dry out and the walls remained strong enough to prevent collapse and the consequent crushing and/or suffocation of small people.”

An urgent warning has been issued after children dug a huge 6ft sandpit on the beach, which rangers say could have deadly consequences

They added: “The parents were not thinking clearly that day, they left without filling the hole.”

“This location is less than 10 metres from the licensed premises, hidden behind a retail trailer – an area that is shadowed by storm lighting after dark.

‘A big thank you to the concerned person who contacted us and filled out the form.

“These collapses are rare, but they can be deadly if you get stuck in one.

‘There is nothing wrong with digging holes on the beach and filling them with water for children to play in.

‘However, it is important to remember the risks associated with digging large holes and tunnels on the beach.’

It was dug up on Polzeath Beach in Cornwall by a group of children – some of whom were just 3ft tall, making the hole twice their height – and left unfilled

Local resident Geoff Whellams said: “It’s bloody dangerous, if you see it report it.”

“Many children and adult men have died in such holes.

Two reasons: sink and if water gets into the hole, your feet will be in the sand. You’ll be stuck.

Add to that a rising tide and we have a disaster.

“Children drowned like this, surrounded by rescuers who were unable to help them.”

Another resident, Stacey Sibley, said: “Oh my god. I’ve seen too many parents who think it’s OK to sit and drink at a bar and let the kids play on the beach.

“What the hell is wrong with these people?”