A man and his dog had a lucky escape after being swept into the sea during Storm Ciaran.

A huge rescue effort was sparked after horrified onlookers saw the walker and his companion taken off their feet by a wave in Sandgate.

The Kent coast was battered by gusts of up to 85mph and extreme waves that saw an amber warning for wind introduced during the storm yesterday.

The victim and his dog were said to have been walking along the promenade when a “particularly large” wave hit them, sweeping them down the shingle.

Thankfully, there were a number of people nearby and two people ran straight into the water to aid them.

Even more fortunately, members of the coastguard had just arrived at the scene for a patrol, with the team able to aid the two and four-legged victims out of the sea.

A spokesperson for the coastguard in Folkestone said in a statement: “We were tasked today for accident prevention patrol during Storm Ciarán, as we arrived at Sandgate a person and their dog was swept off the promenade by a particularly large wave and swept down the shingle.

“Two very quick passers by went straight in to grab them and we were able to assist them and the dog out of the sea.

“After a check over, and quick warm up they went home safe and sound.

“Thank you so much to the gentlemen who went in to save them, and the huge number of people who came out and offered blankets and towels afterwards. Also to the ladies who brought us cake later while we were still on scene, that was so kind.

“Please take care in these high winds and high seas, it only takes one wave to knock you off your feet.”

This was not the only wave-based mishap to happen on the coast near Folkestone yesterday.

Footage has emerged of a man and two children being knocked down by waves near the harbour.