A DOLPHIN was seen in distress in shallow water off Weymouth Beach yesterday.

The common dolphin was spotted in the water close to the Pavilion on Wednesday, August 24.

Police, coastguards, lifeguards, a marine rescue team and a veterinary nurse all attended to try to help the animal.

Experts suggested the dolphin was injured and was trying to beach itself but was unable to because of the crowds of people in the water.

A spokesman for Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team said: "The team were tasked just after 5pm to assist Weymouth & Portland Police, RNLI Lifeguards Weymouth and West Dorset and a veterinary nurse.

"A common dolphin which had spent most of the day in the local area seemed to be in distress close to the pavilion. Expert opinion suggested it was injured and wanted to beach itself but due to crowds and people in the water couldn't.

"The team set up a cordon to give the mammal some space and provide a Water Rescue capability if required. After a couple of hours, the crowds dispersed and with a dropping tide we stood down."

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue Team had sightings at Weymouth Bay since 8.30am.

The team got to the site at around 2pm and stayed until dark monitoring the animal's welfare and keeping people away from it. 

The dolphin was still shallow circling unusually at 10pm when the team left.