Landslide leaves popular Isle of Wight cafe without garden

The popular tea shop, Smugglers Haven, is now sitting on the edge of the sheer drop, at Bonchurch, near Ventnor.

In an emergency evacuation, at around 9.20pm on Sunday night, the residents of 20 homes on the south side of Leeson Road were asked to find alternative accommodation.

Many spent the night with friends and family, while some were in council-arranged temporary places to stay.

Leeson Road is closed at its junction with Bonchurch Shute, affecting travel between Ventnor and Shanklin, and long diversions are in place.

Smugglers Haven, which closes for the winter, is described as 'fabulous' and 'fantastic' in reviews on Trip Advisor, with many commenting on its incredible view.

It is the starting point for a walk to the Devil's Chimney beauty spot, through an area that previously slipped, to Bonchurch beach below.

The tea room's building remains this morning (Monday), but toilets and lawns have collapsed, and cracks are evident in the remaining land, directly below the cafe.

• Read more: Bonchurch landslip travel update as diversions in place

Before Sunday's landslip - a bench with sea views. (Image: IWCP)

A bench now sits on the edge of a sheer drop (Image: IWCP)

• Read more: Isle of Wight Bonchurch landslip near Ventnor sees gardens collapse

Before the collapse, at Bonchurch (Image: IWCP)

There are cracks in the tea room's car park, which is being taped off.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has described a 'large void' in the area.

The Isle of Wight Council has been on site to asses the situation.

The County Press has been told a helpline is being set up and is awaiting details.

Island Roads teams are on site this morning, to assess the damage.