Moment loyal dog who stayed by owner’s side when they were cut off by tide is left to DIE while man is winched to safety

THIS is the heartbreaking moment a dog owner was winched to safety from a beach while his heroic pet was left behind to die.

The dog had clung to its injured owner's side as the pair became trapped by the tide on Perranporth Beach, Cornwall.

Dramatic footage showed the man being pulled to safety by a rescue helicopter - leaving his loyal dog on the rocks below.

The coastguard then returned to save the animal but were tragically unable to reach it.

A spokesman from St Agnes Coastguard said: "We extend our condolences to the individual who lost their beloved dog in this incident."

Witness Bruce Hargrove said the man was walking his dog on a coastal path on Wednesday when he fell to the rocks below.

Cut off by the tide, he began yelling out for help - with passing holidaymakers calling 999.

Mr Hargrove said: "The tide was coming in fast and the beach below the cliffs was underwater.

"The man had fallen onto the rocks and hurt his leg.

"His dog had stayed by his side."

The coastguard helicopter and RNLI Inshore lifeboat were scrambled to join the rescue effort.

As the man was winched to safety, crew members continued hunting for his devoted pooch.

Eventually a rescuer was able to find the distressed animal but its position was too dangerous for the team to reach it.

The coastguard said: "After some time, St Agnes rescue officer Tom spotted the dog, but unfortunately after every effort was made to try and retrieve it, we were unable to.

"The primary duty of the St Agnes Coastguard is to save lives and conduct rescues.

"It is always challenging when our efforts do not result in the outcome we strive for.

"We are deeply saddened by the outcome of this particular mission."