Coastguard reminder after sheep die in cliff incident near Polly Joke

The incident happened on Sunday shortly after coastguard volunteers had dealt with a separate casualty incident near Polly Joke.

The team said they were tasked alongside RNLI lifeboats and lifeguards from Holywell Bay to reports of sheep going over the cliff.

According to the coastguard, a dog had managed to slip its lead.

Five sheep went over the cliff. Two managed to recover themselves, however three died.

The service says the dog owner remained at the scene and contacted the emergency services.

A spokesperson for the coastguard said: “We wish to remind dog owners of the importance of keeping your dog on a lead whilst in the vicinity of the coastpath, no matter how well trained or behaved they are.

“Not only is there a risk of harm to livestock but we regularly attend incidents where dogs have gone over the edge, many of which prove to be fatal.

“If you see someone in difficulty along the coast, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

Earlier in the day, volunteers had been called to the coast path west of Polly Joke at around midday following reports of a casualty.

The casualty was located and assessed by the team before being assisted to a place of safety and later taken to hospital by their own transport.