A DOG plunged 70ft from a cliff after chasing a pheasant at a notorious spot.

Coastguards from Lyme Regis and Beer were called to Goat Island at Rousdon, Devon, to reports a dog had gone over the cliff at about 6.30pm on Saturday.

After arriving on scene they were met with slippery conditions underfoot and it was agreed they would return in daylight, given the distance the equipment had to be carried.

Both coastguard teams returned at 8am the following day and carried their equipment to the site.

The dog - a Spanish whippet named Bridgitte - was seen at the base of the cliff wagging her tail.

A rope technician was lowered the 70ft to Bridgitte and found the dog had an open fracture of its front leg.

It was packaged into an animal rescue bag and winched to the cliff top. It was then taken straight to a vet.

A spokesman for Beer coastguard said: "We wish Bridgitte a swift recovery. We have had five dogs over the cliff in the same location at Goat Island in the past two years. Although the island is a long way back from the sea, it still has a cliff on the southern edge and if you are walking your dog in the area please keep it on a lead.

"Bridgitte chased a pheasant over the edge - a lot of dogs will chase anything if not on a lead."