ENGLISH Heritage has warned that other sections of Hurst Castle could topple into the sea.

The charity said the severe weather forecast for this week meant there was a real risk that more parts of the east wing's outer wall could collapse.

A 38-metre section of the wall fell into the sea last month, leaving the foreshore covered in a huge pile of masonry.

An English Heritage spokesperson highlighted the risk to damaged sections of the wall on either side of the breach.

They said: "The remaining masonry suffered a massive ‘wrench’ when the wall collapsed and the forecast high winds, in particular, increase the likelihood that further falls may occur."

The charity has begun to stabilise the wall with 4,000 tons of single.

It has also installed fences around the damaged area as well as drafting in a security team and warning the public to keep away from the damaged area of the castle for their own safety.

Estates director Rob Woodside said: “This week’s high winds pose a real threat to the sections on either side of the breach which are now unstable as a result of last week’s collapse.

“We are working incredibly hard on our plans to stabilise the wall. The first stage is underway and will see the arrival of thousands of tons of shingle over the next two weeks.”

English Heritage says Hurst Castle is among the most difficult heritage sites to protect.

The collapse occurred on February 26 after part of the outer wall of the 19th-century east wing fell into the Solent after the sea exposed and undercut its foundations.

English Heritage was days away from starting a £1m programme of works to underpin the east wing when the collapse occurred.

A spokesperson said: "In recent years, the charity has invested £2.25m in a series of conservation projects at the castle including, in 2019, an extensive £750,000 programme of works to stabilise the foundations of the west wing.

"English Heritage is devastated by the damage to Hurst Castle and we take what has happened very seriously indeed.

"Our chief executive has already visited the castle and our chairman is also due to visit soon.

"English Heritage has reported it to the Charity Commission and is undertaking a detailed review to look at what lessons can be learned."