RESCUE services were left with a sinking feeling after a digger became stuck on a beach - while trying to save a stranded truck from the incoming tide.

The digger was sent to the front at Weston-super-Mare, Somerset yesterday (January 5) to help a tipper truck that got into trouble.

The truck has since been moved out of its hole but the digger remains in place this morning (January 6) after recovery attempts were abandoned due to the tide.

Pictures show that police were called, who warned onlookers that they should not stand and watch.

Weston-super-Mare and Worle Neighbourhood Policing said: "The Town Centre Team are currently dealing with a stranded digger on the beach.

"Please do not gather to see what's going on as you will be moved on."

The incident has attracted hundreds of comments on social media.

One person said: "Well that was silly..."

Another added: "That's going to cost!"