SCORES of onlookers watched in awe as giant waves pounded the Suffolk coastline this afternoon.Around 50 people braved the cold and gathered along the promenade in Felixstowe as the sea breached defences and flooded the nearby gardens and toilet blocks.

SCORES of onlookers watched in awe as giant waves pounded the Suffolk coastline this afternoon.

Around 50 people braved the cold and gathered along the promenade in Felixstowe as the sea breached defences and flooded the nearby gardens and toilet blocks.

The spectacular sight was caused by strong winds which whipped the water into a frenzy and caused waves, some as high as 10 feet, to crash into the beach.

The coastguard and police were both in attendance to ensure no one came to any harm during the event, which is believed to have started around 12.30pm.

Cathy Pooley, of James Bowden Close, Felixstowe, said: “We heard that there were big waves at the sea wall and we thought we'd come down and have a look. I've seen it like this before in October last year - it's very dramatic to watch.”

Steve Powell, of Langer Road, Felixstowe, which was flooded during the 1953 floods, said: “My daughter came in at about half past one and said that it was going on. We've seen it like this before but I wanted to come down and have a look. It's a morbid curiosity. We live close to the sea and wanted to come and see what was happening.”

Retired couple Paul and Janet Hudson, of Crossley Gardens, Ipswich, were visiting the Languard Fort viewing area.

“We saw the sea was high and the waves were crashing against the sea wall,” Mr Hudson said. “It's really quite spectacular - you can see how it does damage to the sea wall.”