COASTGUARD crews have warned people to be vigilant after two people exploring the south Dorset coastline were rescued in the space of three hours.

Both casualties suffered suspected broken ankles in falls.

Wyke Regis Coastguard and crews from South Western Ambulance Service (SWAST) were called at 5.12pm on Thursday to assist the Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Team with a technical rescue at Pulpit Rock.

A member of the public had fallen whilst trying to climb down to a lower section near the landmark.

As a result of the fall, they had suffered a suspected fractured ankle.

When on scene, two team members accessed the location and administered first aid, whilst the rest of the team set up to recover the casualty by rope.

After being secured into a stretcher, the patient was recovered to the clifftop, and further conveyed by stretcher into the care of crews from South Western Ambulance who attended with a rapid response vehicle for further assessment.

After attending Portland Bill, the teams then attended a second incident at Pirates Cove in Wyke Regis.

Whilst out walking, the casualty had slipped at the bottom of steps and had suffered a suspected broken ankle.

The Wyke team then made their way from Portland Bill to Pirates Lane to assess the casualty.

Upon arrival, one of the Wyke team were already on scene, and had carried out an initial assessment.

As the person had a suspected broken ankle, they were kept in situ until paramedics were able to administer pain relief.

When on scene, paramedics gave the casualty pain relief and put the casualty into a vacuum splint for transportation to Dorset County Hospital.

The casualty was then assisted to an ambulance, and then taken to hospital.

Issuing the warning, a HM Coastguard spokesman, said: “We want people to enjoy themselves on the coast by making sure their visit is one to remember and not one they’d rather forget.

“It’s a well-known fact that the cliffs along the UK coastline are continually eroding, with pieces falling from them that can be just a few small rocks or as large as a car.

“Make sure that you are properly equipped for walking along coastal paths.

“In particular remember to wear sturdy shoes or boots and check the weather forecast and tidal times before you set out.

“Do not attempt to climb up or down cliffs unless you are properly equipped and trained to do so and do not attempt to climb cliffs as a short cut back to the top and again.”