A seven-year-old boy had to be airlifted to hospital after being rescued from the sea at  Durdle Door beach on Sunday. 

He lost consciousness in the water and had to be pulled out by members of the public at the Dorset beauty spot.  

A coastguard helicopter and the air ambulance were launched to the emergency on the packed beach. 

Thousands of bathers had to move out of the way to allow the air ambulance to land at about 3pm on Sunday, August 7. 

Luckily the boy regained consciousness before being flown to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester with his parents by his side.

A spokesman for Wyke Regis Coastguard, which attended the incident, said: "After multiple incidents were reported at Durdle Door we were requested by Solent Coastguard to proceed and assist Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team.

"A female was suffering from high blood pressure and related issues on the beach at Durdle Door. Shortly after this was reported an unconscious 7 year old had been recovered from the water.

"South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust treated both casualties along with medics from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 175.

"The 7 year old was lifted direct to Dorchester A and E by the air ambulance."

Tony Goss, a volunteer at Wyke Regis, added: "Whilst people dealt with the young lad the air ambulance got to the scene quickly. He regained consciousness before going to hospital.

"I'd like to thank the public for their cooperation in moving out of the way so that the helicopter could land."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 3.14pm from the Coastguard that a child required medical attention having been taken from the water at Durdle Door.

"Officers attended and it was reported that the child had been taken to hospital with family members. We do not have a condition update at this time."