Six hurt as mudslide hits hotel

British police say six people were injured when a 6,000-ton mudslide hit a seaside hotel.

Sections of a cliff face along Shanklin Esplanade on the Isle of Wight fell into the Shanklin Beach Hotel.

A spokesman for Isle of Wight Council says the mud swept into a ballroom and bar at the hotel where a party was being held.

He said: "It seems that one person's leg was trapped by the mud and the others suffered cuts and bruises but nothing too serious."

Several vehicles were badly damaged and flats next to the hotel were also hit.

Six casualties - some believed to be elderly - were taken to St Mary's Hospital in Newport for treatment. They have all been discharged.

Police say 166 people were moved from the Shanklin Hotel and the flats to four hotels in Sandown and Shanklin.

The Esplanade and the cliff path have been closed and fire officers are trying to make the area safe.

A site inspection is due to take place by engineers and safety experts.