Emergency services raced to rescue a dog from a Dorset beach after it survived an 80ft fall off a cliff.

A family walk to the Old Harry Rocks in Studland turned into a nightmare after their dog Lillii took a fall from a cliff estimated to be around 80ft high.

The family called 999 for the Solent Coastguard on the afternoon of Saturday, January 20, which deployed teams from Swanage and St Alban's Head, Worth Matravers.

Upon their arrival, the coastguard team made the decision to request the lifeboat as it would make a safer recovery over deploying a coastguard down the cliff to the small bay.

Both Swanage RNLI Lifeboats raced in shore to pick up the dog. They then headed to South Beach to meet up with the other coastguards and the family.

Lillii was then taken straight to a vets, where it was reported that she suffered fractures to a knee joint, and her toes. It is thought that she will remain under veterinary care for a few days.

The family thanked everyone involved with keeping Lillii safe.

Swanage Coastguard issued a warning to dog walkers to keep their pets on leads when near cliffs, and to call the coastguard on 999 in an emergency.

A spokesperson for Swanage Coastguard said: “A family walk to Old Harry turned into an emergency this afternoon when Lillii took a tumble over the cliff falling about 80ft. 

“Coastguard teams from Swanage and St Albans, Worth, were tasked by Solent Coastguard who received the 999 call from the family.

“On arrival the Coastguard team made the decision to request the lifeboat as it would be a safer recovery rather than deploying a Coastguard down the cliff to the small bay. 

“Both Swanage RNLI Lifeboats were tasked with the inshore lifeboat heading in shore to pick up the dog.  The lifeboat then headed to South beach to meet other Coastguards and the family. 

“Lillii was taken straight to a vet and we have just heard there has been fractures to a knee joint and toes.  She will be staying at the vets for a few days. The family thanked everyone involved today. 

“When near cliffs please keep dogs on leads - In an emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard,” they added.