A MAN stuck up to his waist in mud was plucked to safety in a dramatic rescue.

The man was visiting the coast at Stair Hole next to Lulworth Cove when he became trapped this afternoon.

It is understood he was going down an embankment then stepped into sinking mud without realising the ground was so soft.

He was rescued in a joint operation by Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, South Western paramedics and coastguard teams.

Firefighters used a sand lance which is rescue equipment inserted into sand or mud using water or air to dissolve material. A brigade spokesman said the service was alerted at 4.30pm with crews from Wareham, Weymouth and Poole attending.

She said: “Whilst exploring the beautiful landscape of the Lulworth coast the man had got into trouble, and was found to be submerged waist deep in mud.

“Two fire engines from Wareham and Weymouth, and the technical rescue team from Poole Fire Stations were sent.

“On their arrival, Dorset firecrews liaised with the coastguard and ambulance crews at the scene and the man was rescued by approximately 5.15pm in a multi-agency response, with the DFRS technical rescue team using a sand lance.”

The spokesman said the man was uninjured but added: “The service would like to remind members of the public that cliffs can be dangerous this time of year and to always be cautious nears pathways and embankments.”