The seafront was closed and emergency services were on scene after an incident near the arcades.

An air ambulance landed on the beach at Southend seafront and the road was closed from Pier Hill near Southend Pier all the way to the Kursaal.

The Southend CCTV team described the incident as "a medical emergency" and witnesses reported someone suffering a heart attack.

Police and ambulance crews asked members of the public to keep a safe distance.

The incident has since finished and the road has reopened.

Southend Police Officer Marek Jaworski said: "The incident on Southend seafront is over and the roads have reopened.

"Thank you for everyone's understanding whilst ambulance crews assisted a patient. Wishing the patient a quick and full recovery."

Traffic is still slow moving in the area.

We will bring you more on this incident when it becomes available.