Coastguards issued advice after being alerted to the Town Bridge in Weymouth where someone had been seen jumping off into the harbour.

Leaping from the historic structure is prohibited and warning signs are in place. Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team said it was was called to the incident on Saturday.

A spokesman for Wyke Coastguard said concern for the person’s safety was their priority in the cold weather.

On arrival the team found a group of three people, with one changing into clothing, who said he had jumped twice from the bridge into the water apparently as part of a bet.

The team spokesman said: “We spoke to the individual concerned and pointed out many of the possible less favourable consequences his actions may have led too.

“This we believe, was taken on board. We spoke with the harbour master and police before departing the scene.”