A woman and her dog were rescued after getting cut off by the incoming tide in Leasowe Bay.

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team was called to action alongside RNLI New Brighton's Lifeboat crew and Hoylake RNLI's Hovercraft ‘Hurley Spirit’s  crew at around 8.20pm on Monday (September 16) following a report of the two in difficulty in the water near Leasowe Lighthouse.

Coastguard Rescue Officers arrived on scene and directed the stranded walker onto the highest point of the sandbank and started getting them to walk towards Meols.

Hoylake Hovercraft crew arrived, picked both her and the dog off the sandbank and took them to the awaiting coastguard team.

Another person had already made their way ashore by wading through the tidal gulley.

Hoylake RNLI's hovercraft commander Matt Pownall-Jones said: "The tide around the Wirral coast can flood in very quickly and is especially treacherous in the dark.

"If the alarm hadn’t been raised, the casualty and her dog would have been in greater danger with the beach around them soon covered by the tide."

Matt added: ‘With the nights drawing in and regular RNLI Lifeguard patrols ending at the end of September, we encourage everyone heading to the coast to always check the tidal conditions, weather and local safety signage.

"Always keep an eye on your surroundings and know your route to safety.

"Carry a means of calling for help and if you get into difficulty, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

A post on Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team's Facebook page following the incident read: "If you are heading to the coast: Check the tide times and exit the sandbanks in plenty of time.

"If you do get cut off raise the alarm by dialling and asking for the Coastguard. Shout for assistance if you have no phone. Do not try to enter the water as the gullies are fast flowing and not swimmable.

"For more safety information go to: https://www.hmcoastguard.uk/safety-advice"