Police responded to a call from Bigbury at around 6am this morning, after it was reported that a man had "smashed a window, was wet and in a distressed state".

Officers then received another call about someone in the sea. Police, HM Coastguard and the National Police Air Service helicopter were dispatched.

A representative for Kingsbridge Police said: "One male was located with serious arm injuries and after a short time a second was located, unharmed but very cold and wet. Both men were given first aid and an ambulance called.

"It transpired that the two men were drunk and after a night out decided to swim back to Burgh Island Hotel where they were staying. It was pitch black, high spring tides and very rough seas.

"The men believe they were in the water for two hours before they were able to self-rescue. Their ridiculously stupid actions could very easily have lost them their lives."

If you see someone in danger at the coast then call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.