An empty life raft found washed up on the rocks of a Portland beach led to a search of the shoreline.

Portland Bill coastguards were called just before 7.20am yesterday to investigate a report of a life raft found at Chesil Cove.

A search of the area was carried out but the team found no other items believed to be linked to the raft.

They believe it may have come off a vessel in bad weather as no one has been reported to them as being in danger.

Solent Coastguard says it will carry out further investigation into the finding and coastguards took pictures and details of the scene before the raft was taken for disposal.

The team was stood down when there were no reports of anyone in danger.