THE COASTGUARD are pleading to the public to act fast when trouble arises near the coastline - after an emergency response saw the rescue of a woman in West Bay.

Police, West Bay Coastguard and an ambulance crew were called out to East Beach next to East Cliff, in West Bay around 3pm to assist with helping the woman.

The call out was regarding the 'welfare of the woman at the beach', according to police.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "We received a report at 3.13pm on Tuesday reporting concern for the welfare of a woman at the beach in West Bay.

"Officers attended, along with the ambulance service, and the woman was located and given appropriate care."

A spokesman from West Bay Coastguard said:"On Tuesday afternoon at 3.06pm, officers from the West Bay team were paged by Solent Coastguard NMOC (National Maritime Operations Centre) to a request for assistance from the ambulance service with a casualty in West Bay.

"Dorset Police were also made aware of the incident and attended the scene.

"Once the incident was safely concluded, the officers were stood down to return to station.

"Stay safe on the coast, but if you find yourself in difficulty, or if you see something that gives you cause for concern, don't hesitate and dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."