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CONCERN is growing over the deaf dog thought to have been trapped on a cliff ledge for 14 days near Seaton

After surviving for two weeks, Ben a 14 year old Yorkshire terrier is feared dead despite a rescue bid by coastguards, a specialist RSPCA team and attempts to feed him by Axe Cliff Golf Club workers.

Ben is thought to have fallen 50 feet onto a ledge surrounded by thick undergrowth during a walk with owners on Sunday November 19.

A search by the coastguard launched the same day was fruitless with officers returning on Tuesday, November 28, after barking was heard by golfers playing nearby.

The RSPCA was called out on Wednesday November 29, with an officer attempting a food drop before assembling a specialist rescue team, returning the next day to abseil down the cliff in a bid to save the family pet.

After a day searching in vain the team was forced to give up the hunt.

RSPCA spokesman, Jo Barr said: "The dog was owned by an elderly lady and she is very upset.

"He must have lost his footing or chased something and then fallen off the edge and unfortunately when we went to the site he couldn't be seen because there were too many gorse bushes in the way."

Adding: "We are asking people to inform us if they hear a dog barking in the area or if they find any signs a dog is there"

With the last reported sounds of barking heard on Friday, it is feared the Ben did not survive this weekend's violent weather.