Dramatic RNLI rescue of four people cut off by the tide in North Devon

Four people had to be winched to safety by a helicopter after getting cut off by the tide in North Devon.

The group - made of up of two men and two women - got stuck at Combe Martin, near Ilfracombe, on Sunday (March 8) afternoon.

The RNLI, Coastguard and police all took part in the operation to rescue them.

Eyewitness Charles Ford, who photographed the rescue, said he called the emergency services after hearing members of the group “scream for help”.

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Mr Ford said lifeboats arrived at the scene within 30 minutes of his call - but the rescue operation lasted more than an hour and a half.

He said the waves were too big for the lifeboat to access the group, who had to be winched to safety by a Coastguard helicopter.

The pictures taken by Mr Ford showed how the group was hit by large waves as they were flown away.

"The helicopter skilfully winched all four to safety, despite rough seas," he concluded.