Dog rescued by lifeboat team after cliff fall

A dog has been rescued by coastguard teams after falling 120ft (37m) off the edge of a cliff onto a rocky beach.

Swanage Coastguard and St Albans rescue teams were called to help on a coastal path north of Old Harry Rocks, on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.

Unable to use ropes to bring the spaniel to safety due to the risks involved, they requested assistance from Swanage RNLI's inshore lifeboat.

Its team was able to retrieve the dog, called Harley, and transport her to South Beach, Studland. She is not believed to have suffered major injuries.

During the rescue operation another collie-type dog was prevented from also running off the cliff edge after coastguard officers grabbed it before it was too late.

A Swanage Coastguard spokesperson said: "We would like to take this opportunity to remind the public to keep dogs on leads near cliff edges.

"It only takes seconds for your family walk to end in disaster and even the most well behaved dog can become distracted by a scent or wildlife.

"If the worst does happen, call 999 and ask for the coastguard, just like the owner of Harley did."

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