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.
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.
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"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."
One local added: "Perfect condition for an accident. Especially with half term."
Another said: "Lethal. Especially if you're short."
"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."
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