A dog has died after apparently falling over the edge of a cliff at Portreath.

Despite the best efforts of Portreath Cliff Rescue Team and a local fishing boat, the terrier could not be revived.

It is believed to have fallen over the edge of the cliffs near Pepper Pot day mark, to the north east of Portreath in the area of Gull Lane Cove.

The terrier was reported missing by its owner after it had been seen running free on the cliff top.

Portreath Cliff Rescue Team was scrambled and members searched the 250 foot high cliffs as well as carrying out a thorough search looking out to sea.

A Portreath fishing boat, the Fanta-Si, was also asked by the coastguards to join the search for the missing pet.

After about half an hour, the dog was seen by a member of the team floating nearly 300 yards from the shore. Guided by VHF radio, Fanta-Si reached the animal and took it on board.

One of the crew of the boat tried to revive the animal, but sadly it had died. The Fanta-Si then returned to Portreath and handed the body back to its grieving owner.

HM Coastguard station officer Mark Roberts said: “I strongly advise dog owners not to let their animals run free on the cliff tops. The distress and trauma to a family when their beloved pet is either killed or injured in this manner is horrific.

“Dogs will chase rabbits or birds and are unaware of the dangers. I would like to impress upon people that when walking the cliff tops keep your dog on a lead at all times.”

So far this year, Portreath Cliff Rescue Team has attended six incidents of dogs falling over the cliffs in their area which runs from Porthtowan to Hayle. Only two of the dogs survived and were rescued by the team.