RESCUE teams were called to search for a missing dog in the waters off the Furness coastline.

The Furness Coastguard Rescue team supported Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service after a dog was swept away off Roa Island in Barrow. 

The alarm was raised at about 10.50am on September 3. The RNLI's inshore lifeboat from Barrow was also sent. The area was searched but nothing was found, according to the Coastguard. 

An RNLI spokesman said this: "Barrow RNLI Inshore Lifeboat was tasked on Tuesday 3 September to assist the Coastguard Rescue Team in the search for a missing dog.

'After an hour of searching the volunteer crew were stood down and returned to station.'

A HM Coastguard spokesman urged owners to keep their dogs on a lead when visiting coastal areas, especially near cliff edges. 

The Coastguard also recommended owners to not go after dogs if they get stuck on a ledge, in mud or swept out to sea.

In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Stay in a safe place until the rescue team can locate you.