The coastguard were called to reports of a person possibly in distress on Burton Cliffs.

West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team said it was alerted by Solent Coastguard NMOC (National Maritime Operations Centre) to a request for assistance from the Police that a female was possibly at risk near the cliff edge on Friday, June 1 just after 10.50am.

A spokesman for the West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team, said: "Officers quickly responded to the rescue station in West Bay, picked up their equipment and the teams vehicle, then headed to the incident area to meet up with Police.

"Backup was requested from our flank team over at Lyme Regis and they were also tasked to assist."

On arrival, the West Bay OIC (officer in charge) received a brief from Police and then deployed search teams along the coastal path in-between Hive Beach and Freshwater, as well as along the beach and also some of the inland footpaths.

With nothing initially found, a search team was deployed along the cliffs from Freshwater to West Bay.

With no signs of anyone in distress or at risk, all of the search teams were then stood down to return to the station pending further Police enquiries.

The spokesman said: "We want to thank the member of the public for initially reporting their concerns.

"We would always rather respond to a false alarm or nothing untoward, than not get a call if someone is in distress or in a vulnerable state.

"Stay Safe on the Coast.

"But if you find yourself in difficulty or if you are concerned for others, do not hesitate, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."