'Unstable' steps leading from a popular Isle of Wight attraction to a public footpath have been shut for safety reasons.

An emergency closure is in place on a section of the steps, which connect the Needles Landmark Attraction to the lower path.

The Isle of Wight Council said the steps were "at the end of their life" and confirmed it will look at replacing them earlier than previously planned.

A spokesperson for the council said: "An emergency closure was necessary on the grounds of public safety. 

"The steps are at the end of their life and the public rights of way team has been planning a replacement as part of the King Charles III England Coast Path establishment works.

"This work will now be prioritised."

No timescale has been given for their reopening.

Meanwhile, the steps leading to the beach remain open.

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Access to the bay is possible via the Chine and then the beach steps, or via the chairlift.

Just last year, the beach steps were closed after concerns were raised about the proximity of landslips and coastal erosion.

Work to rebuild them got underway in May of this year.