A dolphin in distress was spotted in Weymouth Bay last night.

The creature was seen close to the shoreline near the Pier Bandstand at around 9pm.

As crowds gathered on the sand to catch a glimpse of the unusual sighting onlookers said the dolphin seemed determined to make its way on to the beach.

Several people attempted to coax the creature back out to sea.

Tim Newton, the owner of Al Molo restaurant who caught the moment on camera, said: “It was a very special moment. It is an unusual site seeing a dolphin in the bay and it’s certainly not something I’ve seen before.

“Apparently they go out to the harbour but never into the bay as it’s so shallow.”

Onlooker Matthew Mahoney can be seen on film striding into the water and helping the dolphin turn around More to follow.