THIS is the terrifying moment a man became trapped up to his waist in mud after a Valentine’s weekend for a couple visiting Dorset turned into disaster.

He attempted to struggle free in front of his horrified girlfriend after becoming submerged as they both attempted to clamber up a steep bank at Stair Hole, near Lulworth Cove.

The man was rescued in an operation involving firefighters, paramedics and coastguards who were alerted to the beauty spot late on Sunday afternoon.

Firefighters had to use a sand lance to jet pressurised water into the mud to dissolve it. The man was cold but otherwise fine.

The rescue has prompted a warning for people to be careful on cliffs and embankments which can be dangerous. It is understood the area where the man got stuck has recently been affected by a landslip.

The drama was witnessed by Dan Rawles who had been taking photographs of the coast and was among passers-by who offered assistance. From conversations with the couple he learnt they were Polish and live in the UK, and had been visiting Dorset for a romantic weekend break.

Mr Rawles, 39, a builder from Poole, said the couple attempted to climb an embankment, which he said was covered in mud and rock from what he believes is due to a recent landslip.

He said: “His girlfriend was obviously terrified and I tried to calm her down.

“I had looked at the landslip earlier and was taking pictures of it. I thought it looked dodgy.

“There were no warning signs due to it being so fresh.”

Mr Rawles said coastguards were on the scene very quickly but were unable to help the man.

He said: “The circulation was cut off to his legs so they didn’t want to risk hauling him out as it could cause injury.

“The fire service used pressurised water to break the mud up. He must have been very cold though as the sun was going down and by the time they pulled him out it was freezing.

“I’m glad he’s okay.”

Earth science manager for Dorset’s Jurassic Coast team Richard Edmonds said: “The Jurassic Coast is an eroding coastline which brings its own hazards.

“Our advice as always is to take care, take notice of warning signs and stay away from the cliffs.

“Dorset County Council countryside rangers regularly check the state of the coast path and ensure signage is in place, warning of any hazards.”