Man found clinging onto cliff edge trying to save fallen dog is rescued on New Year's Day

A man who was found clinging onto a cliff edge after trying to save his fallen dog was rescued by coastguard teams on New Year's Day.

Ilfracombe Coastguard Search and Rescue team were called out to the incident near Little Hangman in Combe Martin on 1 January.

Julius Naim from Shepton Mallet was trying to rescue his dog who had fallen over a cliff edge and dropped 30 metres onto a ledge.

Crew members from Ilfracombe had help from Lynmouth Coastguard Search and Rescue. A helicopter was also called in from Newquay, but wasn't needed after teams rescued Julius and his dog George.

A spokesperson from Ilfracombe Coastguard said: "This was a very near miss that could have so easily had a different outcome."

Both received First Aid and care at the scene, but have escaped without any lasting injuries.

Julius has since posted his thanks on social media:

He said they are both now "home and safe" but "lost for words".

Both coastguard teams are now warning the public not to try and rescue their dogs if they go over a cliff.

Their advice is to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, who have the safety equipment to carry out a rescue.