A MULTI-AGENCY rescue operation was launched as two walkers were in danger of being stranded by a coastal tide.

Furness Coastguard, Millom Coastguard, and Duddon Inshore Rescue were paged at 11.41 am on Thursday after receiving reports of two people attempting to cross the Duddon estuary from Roanhead to Haverigg.

With the tide turning and starting to flood the beach, the people turned around, and DIR escorted them back to Roanhead.

Furness Coastguard posted: "This is the second incident in as many weeks where people have tried to walk across the estuary, - the first, two people had to be rescued just in time as the water was up to their chest.

"We would like to urge people not to attempt to walk across the sands.

"It may appear flat but there are a lot of deep gulleys which quickly fill with water and can easily cut people off.

"Please read safety notices placed around the coast and ensure you know the tide times before heading out onto our amazing beaches.

"If in danger around the coast, or one of the four main navigable lakes, Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater or Derwentwater, call 999 and ask for the coastguard."

READ MORE: Coastguard alerted after young people cut off by tide