It was hoped the dolphin would get out at high tide

British Divers Marine Life Rescue went to Arnside, near Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, on Friday night after sightings of the bottlenose dolphin.

The animal was seen in a channel and it was hoped it would be able to get out as the tide came in.

But on Saturday evening when it became clear the dolphin could not support itself, it was put to sleep.

Jenny Watkins, Cumbria regional co-ordinator for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said: "We gave it a chance and it looked fine when it was in a sheltered pool.

"But once it was clear it was suffering we had to get a vet to assess it."

She said the dolphin was old and may have come into shallower waters because it was in distress.

The group was involved in the rescue of Marra the dolphin from Maryport Harbour in February.