COASTGUARDS are warning pet owners to keep their animals on leads near cliffs after a dog fell over a cliff.

A spokesman for West Bay coastguard said they were called to the incident, to the East of Thorncombe Beacon, just before midday on Tuesday.

They said: "Five rescue officers made for the incident area and a flank team at Lyme Regis coastguard were also asked to assist.

"Once at the location, contact was made with the dog's owner who confirmed that her terrier had been running close to the cliff edge and then disappeared.

"She confirmed she had then seen her dog running around on the mid cliff levels near to the dense gorse and bramble undergrowth that grows up the side of the cliff."

Coastguards said they lowered a cliff technician and edge safety officer over the edge of the cliff on the east and west sides of the beacon to search for the dog, while officers at the top continued a wider search through binoculars.

The spokesman continued: "Unfortunately, no trace of the terrier could be seen or heard and after the search was completed the Cliff Technician was winched back up to the top of the cliff.

The dog has now been found, but West Bay coastguard issued advice, saying: "Always keep your dog on a lead whilst walking on the cliffs as most dogs especially smaller ones can not see the cliff edge, and never, ever attempt a self rescue."