MEMBERS of the public performed CPR on a casualty who stopped breathing on a Purbeck beach on Thursday.

Police, paramedics and coastguard officials were called to Knoll Beach in Studland at 4pm. The air ambulance also landed.

An officer from Purbeck Police said: "We received a call stating that somebody had been found not breathing at Knoll Beach.

"Officers from Swanage and Wareham attended and arrived to find a paramedic already at scene.

"Passers-by were performing CPR on the casualty so officers assisted with this, and a short time later the Swanage Coastguard team also arrived and offered their assistance, performing CPR and aiding the paramedic.

"The air ambulance landed on the beach and the casualty was transferred to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital by air.

"Unfortunately, the outcome was not what we were hoping for.

"Thanks to the public who raised the alarm and helped out at the scene and to the National Trust for their assistance during the incident."