An urgent warning has been issued after children long a huge 6-foot sandpit on a beach which rangers fear could of had deadly consequences.

It was dug on Polzeath Beach in Cornwall by a group of children – some of which were only 3-foot tall making the hole twice their height – and left without filling it back in.

Beach officials said the sides could have caved in and buried them or other beachgoers.

A Polzeath Beach Rangers Service spokesperson said: ‘We are shocked that the parents of several children stood by for several hours as they dug this six-foot sand pit.

‘Well done to the kids for their tenacity and physical endurance in digging a pit deeper than they stand tall. You’re not to blame in this scenario.

‘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.’

An urgent warning has been issued after children dug a huge 6-foot sandpit on a beach which rangers fear could of had deadly consequences

They added: ‘The parents weren’t thinking straight that day, they left without filling the pit in.’

‘It’s less than 10 meters from a licensed premises and hidden behind a merchandise trailer – an area that is cast into shadows from flood lighting after dark.

‘A big thank you to a concerned member of the public for letting us know and filling it in.

‘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 large holes and tunnels when at the beach.’

It was dug on Polzeath Beach in Cornwall by a group of children – some of which were only 3-foot tall making the hole twice their height – and left without filling it back in

Local man, Geoff Whellams, said: ‘B****y dangerous, if you see this going on, report it.

‘Many kids and grown men have died in holes like this.

‘Two reasons, collapse and if water gets in a hole your legs are in sand. You will become stuck.

‘Add the equation of a tide coming in, you have disaster.

‘Kids have drowned like this surrounded by rescuers unable to help.’

Another resident, Stacey Sibley, said: ‘Oh my God. I’ve seen too many parents who think it’s ok to sit drinking in a bar and leave their kids to entertain themselves on the beach.

‘What the hell is wrong with these people?’