Dog rescued after 'dangerous' fall from cliff edge

The Freshwater lifeboat crew said it was an "incredible outcome" that Ted was uninjured after the fall

A dog has been rescued after a "dangerous" fall from a cliff edge.

The Freshwater lifeboat crew said it was an "incredible outcome" that Ted the dog wasn't hurt during the fall on the Isle of Wight.

He had been on a walk with his owner on Tennyson Downs near Freshwater Bay at about 11:00 BST on Wednesday.

The dog owner's friend realised Ted had wandered off and fellow walkers reported seeing a dog near the cliff edge.

Freshwater Independent Lifeboat (FILB) explained Ted was considered a "well behaved dog, who normally kept far from the cliff edge" so these reports "sparked immediate concern" for the owner.

The statement said the owner, who wished to remain anonymous, contacted the Coastguard, followed by FILB who launched a crew at 13:10.

"Coastguard teams arrived shortly after, preparing to abseil down the cliffs if necessary", the statement explained.

"However, FILB crew member James Metcalfe courageously entered the water and made his way ashore, successfully retrieving Ted from the base of the cliff."

Ted was returned to land at about 14:30 and taken to the vet for overnight observation, but FILB said he was reportedly "in good health" and that it was "an incredible outcome after such a dangerous fall".

The statement added: "We want to thank the local community for their continued support and remind dog owners to take extra care when walking near cliff edges.

"This story serves as a reminder of the importance of our life-saving teams and the incredible work they do."