HM Coastguard has issued a message after a pile of "abandoned clothing" was found on Formby beach.
The Southport branch was tasked with investigating abandoned clothing that had been left on the beach at around 10.50am on New Year's Day. This led to quadbikes being deployed in the search for what looked like a missing or vulnerable person.
Following the deployment of the quadbikes, it turned out to be clothes that were left near Formby lifeguard station in an attempt to encourage a lost dog to return home. Following the unusual conclusion of the call-out, HM Coastguard Southport issued two messages.
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Writing on its Facebook page, it said: "1) If you see, hear or find something that is out of place on the coastline, call the Coastguard. We’d rather investigate this type of incident than not be called at all. You may save a life.
"2) If you plan on trying to persuade a lost pet back home in this way, call the Coastguard (Holyhead *non-emergency* 01407 762051) and advise that something has been left, a clear description of what, and exactly where it is. Also, leave a clearly written note explaining why the items have been left for anybody finding the items."
Southport Lifeboat also confirmed it was called out to help with the search. In a Facebook post, a member of the charity wrote: "Southport Quads tasked to search Formby beach after a pile of clothes had been found by a member of the public.
"Our quads searched the tideline from Ainsdale down to Altcar Rifle Range, whilst Southport and Crosby Coastguard rescue teams searched the dunes and beach. After an hour of searching with nothing found, we were stood down."
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