An iconic sea stack which selfie-takers would pose next to has crumbled into the sea.

The structure at Botany Bay in Broadstairs has been slowly eaten away by the tide over centuries - and was flagged as a safety risk earlier this year.

It had formed into a picture-perfect ‘keyhole’ - which people would sometimes climb through - framing the beach behind. But this week the centre of the chalk has fallen away.

Thanet District Council has warned people to stay away from the cliffs, but will not take action to prevent the natural erosion process.

Botany Bay was crowned the most-photographed beach in the UK earlier this year, with many photos posted on Instagram featuring the prominent stacks.

When KentOnline visited in August, families were seen standing on the stack to snap an image.

In February, sea swimmer Dawn Kandekore sounded the alarm after spotting reckless daredevils taking perilous selfies on the crumbling cliff edge.

She says she is now pleased to see the stack go, as she believes it will improve safety.

The 61-year-old told KentOnline: “I saw it coming and I'm quite happy it happened because the summer was horrendous with the number of people climbing through it taking photographs.

“I was telling them that it's dangerous and they were just ignoring me, so it's good that it came down in the winter.”

Ms Kandekore - who swims at the beach every day - does have mixed feelings about the loss of the structure.

She explained: “I know things change and the environment changes.

“Whenever I go, I always just look towards the stack because it's kind of my kind of landmark for measuring the level of how far the tide's gone out or coming in.

“It's a focal point that you can't help looking at as soon as you're at the beach.

“So, it is a bit sad to see it go.

“But it's also about safety. I've seen parents encouraging their children to go stand under it.”

Thanet District Council is responsible for maintaining and protecting 19 miles of coastline.

A spokesperson said: “Coastal erosion is a naturally occurring process and contributes to the sediments which are an important part of our natural coastal environment.

“Thanet District Council is not planning to take any action to prevent further erosion at Botany Bay.

“Signs are in place at each of the district’s beaches, warning members of the public to keep away from the edge and base of cliffs at all times.

“It is dangerous to stand under any cliff face as they are subject to erosion, particularly in the winter months.

“Additional signs are in place at Botany Bay, to raise more awareness of the hazards and the process that is causing the cliffs to erode.”