POLICE have said that people are “putting themselves in danger” after ignoring closed signs and a police presence to take photos on a storm-battered Aberystwyth promenade.

Gale-force winds and driving rain battered the Aberystwyth coast on Monday morning, as the latest in a string of storms caused havoc on the town’s promenade.

Gusts up to 56mph, combined with a spring tide, caused huge waves to come crashing down on the promenade early on Monday morning in scenes reminiscent of the January 2014 floods which left Aberystwyth’s ‘jewel in the crown’ in ruins, and authorities facing a six-figure repair bill to fix it.

Storm Imogen swept into the county at 3am on Monday morning, and followed weather warnings from the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, and the Met Office that flooding was “likely” and that residents should “be prepared”.

As winds picked up and waves brought the sea lapping against the buildings along Marine Terrace, the whole stretch of the promenade from Constitution Hill to the pier was closed and guarded by police officers amid safety fears.

Cars parked on the promenade over-night were left abandoned, while one flagpole was broken and toppled by the gale-force winds.

Paving slabs were ripped up by the wind and waves, while benches - repaired during the storm of 2014 - were also torn from their bases.

Police said the road was closed but “unfortunately the public have been ignoring the closed signs, and placing themselves in danger.”

“HM Coastguard have been closing sections of the promenade also, and they came across pedestrians out taking photos, some were even down on the beach – again placing themselves in danger,” a police spokeswoman said.

“The area is being battered by very large waves and gusting winds, therefore the emergency services are appealing to the public to stay away from the area, and to heed closed signs for their own safety.”

The oft-closed Dyfi Bridge was also shut after being flooded and the station at Dyfi Junction was flooded.

Flood warnings were also in place throughout the day further up the coast in Borth and Clarach Bay, and further south at Aberaeron.