VIDEO footage has been released showing the perils of the sea as a couple have a shocking narrow escape from waves crashing against the beach at Durdle Door.

The footage was shot by the Lulworth Rangers on Friday as stormy weather, including winds of up to 70mph and driving rain hit Dorset.

It shows the couple standing on the beach at Durdle Door, taking pictures or video of the waves coming on to the beach.

All of a sudden a wave crashes in to the shore and the pair try to scramble away up the beach to get away.

One of them even stumbles and falls as they narrowly escape and the waves roll back out to sea.

The Lulworth Rangers work at the cove in environmental land management, education and visitor enjoyment.

People are being urged to respect the sea.

A spokesman for the rangers said: “It can only take a second of taking your eye off the ball and things can go wrong, very quickly. This couple had a narrow escape this afternoon from Durdle Door's steep shelving beach.

“If you plan on visiting the coast during this rough weather, please don't get too close to the sea. The sea is unpredictable, rogue waves do happen and a few centimetres of fast flowing water can take you off your feet.”