A family of seven had a narrow escape this afternoon after they were caught by a freak wave which dragged them out to sea.

The group were on the beach in the Gwithian and Godrevy area when the huge wave rolled in and took them out to sea.

Luckily they managed to get back to shore.

Dramatic footage was caught on camera by a Twitter user Lincoln Green who posted it on the site.

They added: "These waves nearly wiped out a whole family on the beach at #gwithian #cornwall they were 10 feet or so from the water but a freak wave came and dragged them out. Please stay off the beaches atm, they were rescued I hope they are all ok #rnli #StaySafe"

The family had been on the rocks at around 3pm this afternoon when they were swept into the sea.

Two of the three members of the family managed to struggle their way onto land, one of the remaining family members hadn’t been located, but was later found.

The all-weather lifeboat was launched from St Ives after it had a report of a family being swept into the water.

With a large swell the crew made their way to Godrevy. Also at the scene were HM Coastguard Portreath Rescue Team, Cornwall Air Ambulance, RNLI Penwith Lifeguards and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

"In this instance everyone luckily made it out and were received immediately by the waiting ambulance," said Rob Cocking, coxswain.

At this point the crew were stood down and they made their way back to the station.