Beach-goers have been left trapped and fearing they will drown because of broken and rusty steps on a beach in a coastal town.

The steps which have missing and broken segments are designed for beach-goers to cross the breakwater between Sheringham and West Runton beaches.

But now the steps - which should provide people with a safe exit if caught by an incoming tide - have been branded as "lethal" by locals after a woman said they made her nearly drown.

North Norfolk District Council says it is aware of the problem and the steps have been flagged up for repair.

The metal steps have started to break apart (Image: Richard Farrow) She said: "Sadly I got trapped on the beach walking from Cromer to Sheringham. The tide was in by the time I reached Sheringham which stopped me walking round the groyne.

READ MORE: Man arrested after car smashed with golf club in Sheringham

"The only option was these steps. My setter refused to climb them, and wouldn’t jump the groyne. I thought I was going to drown."

The steps are in poor condition (Image: Richard Farrow)

One local added: "Perfect condition for an accident. Especially with half term."

Another said: "Lethal. Especially if you're short."

One woman thought she was going to drown because of the broken steps (Image: Richard Farrow) A spokesman for North Norfolk District Council said: "These have now been flagged for repair. Visitors to the beaches can report things for repair directly to the Council.

"Our Coastal Team manage over 20 miles of coastal structures, so it’s helpful if the public reports anything to us and our teams can look into it.

"These steps are placed there for people to use to leave the beach if they’re caught by an incoming tide."