A JACK Russell from Canvey was forced to spend three hours on a steep cliff face after biting the hands of a would-be rescuer.

Coastguard Gary Coles needed emergency treatment at hospital after the incident at Littleham Cove Sandy Bay near Exmouth.

Exmouth Coastguard said the woman owner had called its rescue team to a nearby clifftop.

Mr Coles was lowered down the cliff to where Scrappy was stuck but the ungrateful pet bit Mr Coles.

Mr Coles, 39, who also works as a security guard, said the dog had fallen 60ft and could have fallen another 50ft. He said: "I tried to coax him towards me but he was not having any of it and decided to head up the cliff.

"I put my hands forward to grab him and he decided to go for me."

The would-be rescuer had a total of eight bite punctures to his hands, and said he lost a bit of one of his thumbs. He was taken to hospital where his wounds were cleaned and he was given antibiotics and a tetanus shot.

Scrappy was eventually coaxed down by the coastguards.

They said they would not be taking any action against the Jack Russell's owner.