COASTGUARDS were called to a group of people trying to rescue a dog from the sea off Chesil Beach.

West Bay Coastguard team was paged on Wednesday evening to reports that multiple persons were attempting to rescue a dog in the sea opposite the Old Coastguard Caravan Park.

The reports said that the dog was trying to evade the people who had gone in to try and rescue him and was heading out to sea.

Coastguards said they received multiple calls of concern for the people who had entered the water, and for the dog which was now trying to evade them.

Seven coastguard officers from West Bay responded to the page and headed for the station only to be stood down on arrival as the dog and people had safely left the water.

A spokesman for the coastguard rescue team urged people not to put themselves in harm’s way.

The spokesman said: “Never under any circumstances enter the water, scale a cliff or enter mud to try and rescue a trapped or injured animal.

“More often than not, the animal will recover themselves leaving behind their would-be rescuers in a compromised situation requiring rescue or evacuation themselves.

“Instead dial 999 and call the coastguard who will task one of their specially trained water rescue, cliff rescue or mud rescue teams to the location.”

He added: “Stay safe on the coast. But if you find yourself in difficulty, or if you are concerned for others - do not hesitate. Dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”