Four people and dog trapped beneath cliffs rescued

Four people and a dog have been rescued after they became trapped beneath cliffs in East Sussex.

Coastguards were called to assist the group who were cut off by the tide between Rock-a-Nore in Hastings and Fairlight on Monday evening.

The group was located "wet, cold and tired", rescuers said.

HM Coastguard said that teams from Hastings, Bexhill and Rye Bay, along with Hastings RNLI Lifeboat and Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat, were involved in the rescue operation.

The group and the dog were safely escorted from the beach before the incoming tide further restricted their escape route, the coastguard added.

"Thankfully, everyone involved, including their four-legged companion, was brought to safety without injury," a spokesperson said.

Welfare checks were carried out, and the group was given blankets, water and sugary snacks, they added.

The coastguard has urged the public to take extra precautions as the tide could rise far quicker than expected, particularly beneath cliffs.

They advised residents should check tide times, carry a means of calling for help and be prepared to turn back early if the route becomes unsafe.

"If you become cut off by the tide, move to the highest safe point, call 999 and ask for the coastguard," they said.

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