TWO people and five dogs were rescued after getting cut off by the tide near Leasowe Lighthouse earlier this evening.

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team was called to the scene at around 6pm.

With the tide quickly coming in, rescue officers crossed the rapidly filling gulley to the casualties and brought them to safety using an inflatable sled.

Wirral Globe:

Coastguard rescue team near Leasowe Lighthouse earlier this evening. Picture courtesy of Michael Buratti

Michael Buratti, station officer for Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team, told the Globe: "It is exceptionally important that people are aware of their surroundings when on the beach and always check on the tide times.

"If you don't, you can very easily get caught out as the tide does not always come in on a straight line.

"These people were lucky that a member of the public realised the situation they were in and dialled 999 for the Coastguard enabling Coastguard Rescue Officers to carry out a rescue before the situation deteriorated.

"If you see someone in trouble on the coast, immediately dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."