A girl has been taken to hospital after becoming trapped in the rocks at Three Shells Lagoon, Southend.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after the girl, believed to be a young teenager, got her right leg trapped in the rock armour surrounding the lagoon.

Police, fire, ambulance and coastguard crews were all on hand to help free the girl from the rock.

Southend Coastguard Station Officer Saul Stevens said: "At about 5.15 this evening, we were called to reports of a young girl trapped in the rock armour at Three Shells Lagoon, Western Esplanade.

"On our arrival Police had made contact with the young girl. It was obvious that she needed specialist equipment to free her so we requested help from the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

"The coastguard water rescue team at Southend immediately went to the aid of the young girl and stabilised her using first aid. The ambulance service arrived shortly afterwards.

"As part of a joint effort between HM Coastguard and the fire service, specialist lifting equipment, both air bags and hydraulics, were used to remove a section of the rock armour to free the young girl. It took approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

"She was left in the care of the ambulance service and taken to Southend hospital."

The extent of the girl's injuries are not known at this stage and the ambulance service has been contacted for comment.

Mr Stevens added: "She was pinned by her right leg for some period of time. There were no really obvious injuries but she was taken off to hospital for further inspection and treatment.

"She was reasonably calm, obviously concerned. She was there for quite some time but one of my officers took on the role of comforting her which went very well.

"There were about ten to 15 workers around her trying to get her out. She was a very brave and pleasant young girl.

"This is the first incident of its kind this year as it's the start of the season."

The lagoon has been temporarily taped off until officials can sign off on how to make the area safer.