Seven Sisters: Three people cut off by tide airlifted to safety

The RNLI said 13ft (4m) waves meant the only safe way to rescue the group was by helicopter

Three people have been winched to safety by helicopter after getting cut off by the rising tide in East Sussex.

Newhaven lifeboat launched at 14:00 GMT on Saturday to search for casualties on the beach between Seven Sisters and Belle Tout Lighthouse, the RNLI said.

Waves of 13ft (4m) meant lifeboat crews could not safely make the rescue, it added.

A HM Coastguard helicopter was deployed to winch all three people to safety, no injuries were reported.

RNLI coxswain Lewis Arnold said: "Due to the four-metre wave height, the only option for safe extraction of the casualties was by helicopter.

"Tides rise quickly and can easily catch people out. If you're planning a coastal walk or seaside activity, we strongly urge people to check the weather and tides before setting out."

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