Coastguards have warned people about the dangers of diving into the sea from rocks and cliffs on the Jurassic Coast after a man was injured on Portland.

The man suffered a head injury and is understood to have lost a lot of blood after plunging into the water and hitting his head on an underwater rock near Portland Bill.

As the weather improves and people flock to the coast, rescuers are urging people to be safe.

Wyke Coastguard and Portland Bill Coastguard rescue teams, as well as the ambulance service, were alerted just after midday on Bank Holiday Monday to what were initial reports of a fallen climber.

At the scene, coastguards found the climber had injured himself after diving into the sea at Bob's Crane, and sustained a head injury.

Portland Bill Coastguard said in a statement: "A young male had dived into the water and struck his head on a submerged rock, causing deep lacerations and concussion.

"The public are reminded to take care on the coast by following a few safety precautions; check local tide times, weather conditions and conducting activities in safe areas."

A spokesman for the team later said that the man had been one of a group who had been climbing in the area that morning. A few members of the group had chosen to dive in for a swim when the incident occurred.

Paramedics attended with a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance. The man was treated at the scene before being taken to Dorset County Hospital to be checked over.

Rob Sansom, senior coastal operations officer for HM Coastguard in Dorset, has issued advice for people heading to the coast as the summer season approaches.

He said: "This person hadn't risk assessed and hadn't realised the water was as shallow as it was, which is one of the dangers of jumping.

"Generally, we don't want to spoil people's enjoyment especially during the weather we're having at the moment. But when people are out and about they need to be aware of the dangers, there are plenty of safety signs around.

"Jumping into the water isn't completely safe, but it can be relatively safe if all risks are assessed properly."

Mr Sansom said generally, people can stay safe near the coast by assessing the water and observing tide times, especially when walking under cliffs, as well as being aware of crumbling cliffs and hidden dangers such as undertow in the water.