A DOLPHIN has got stuck on the banks of the River Yar this morning — and a specialist mud rescue team has been sent to assist.

Solent Coastguard has asked Needles and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team and the British Marine Life Rescue to help.

A spokesperson for Solent Coastguard said: "There were concerns the public might try to help, so we are there for scene safety.

"The dolphin is alone and doesn't have any friends with it at the moment, but the tide is coming in and we are hoping it will soon be freed."

Isle of Wight County Press:

Isle of Wight County Press:

UPDATE 12.30pm: An eye-witness said: "The dolphin has been brought out of the water for the medics to assess it, as it kept rolling upside down. The fear is, it will roll over and could drown.

"It is a young dolphin and seems to have got itself lost."

Isle of Wight County Press:

UPDATE 1.15pm: An emergency road closure has been put in place at The Causeway, Freshwater, at the request of the police in the interest of public safety. 

UPDATE: Sadly, the dolphin has been put to sleep, HM Coastguard has confirmed.