A woman has tragically lost her life while attempting to save her beloved pet dog from the sea.

Lancashire Police revealed that a woman and a man got into serious difficulty in the water at Thornton-Cleveleys on Saturday evening, after entering "to rescue their dog, who had become stuck".

The woman, aged in her 60s, received treatment at the scene but was sadly pronounced dead at hospital. The man, also in his 60s, was rushed to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

Police confirmed the dog was recovered from the sea "safe and well" following the incident, which occurred near Fleetwood Beach Cafe, according to LancsLive.

A force spokesperson stated:

"Shortly after 8:31pm yesterday, we were contacted by the ambulance service to inform us they were treating two people after they had been recovered from the sea in Thornton Cleveleys by HM Coastguard.

"They were treated at the scene, but sadly the woman, aged in her 60s, was pronounced dead at hospital. Enquiries to identify her next of kin are ongoing."

"The man, also in his 60s, was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

"The dog was recovered safe and well. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the woman's death, and a file will be passed to the coroner in due course."

The tragedy comes in the wake of at least 15 water-related deaths during the recent spell of hot weather.