Dorset Council has responded following an incident where people were rescued after falling in Weymouth Harbour.

The council said there were currently no safety barriers along the section of harbour where the incident occurred - but that they are planned to be installed shortly.

A spokesman from Dorset Council said: "Our Harbour Master made us aware of this incident over the weekend. We’re relieved that it wasn’t much worse and want to thank our colleagues at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue and South Western Ambulance Service for their help.

"We can also confirm that the incident occurred in an area where safety barriers aren’t currently in place, but were already planned to be installed shortly as part of the current programme of work."

The council has previously said that the current barriers are temporary following criticism of their appearance.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment at Dorset Council, said: "The safety barriers were erected on the road side of the wall so commercial vessels can continue to use the wall to moor up and unload, without having to work around the new structures.

"The barriers are temporary in their appearance and the materials used.

"We will consult with local organisations, stakeholders and residents at a later date to establish how a more permanent structure can be installed that helps keep people safe while complimenting the historic aesthetics of the harbour.

"Dorset Council is ultimately responsible for ensuring the harbour is a safe environment and it's our duty to take the necessary precautions as advised by the HSE and our own risk assessments."