MINDLESS vandals broke an emergency phone on Southend seafront - stopping a resident lodging an emergency call with the coastguard.

Attempts were made to use an emergency phone on the promenade foreshore after a witness spotted someone struggling at sea.

But they found the phone had been damaged beyond use.

The damage was reported to Southend Council, who have now checked all the phones on the seafront.

BT are carrying out repairs to the phone which is for lifesaving emergencies.

Southend Council slammed the culprits claiming lives were put at risk by the vandals.

Councillor James Courtenay, cabinet member for growth, said: “Unfortunately an emergency phone on the foreshore was vandalised in a mindless act that could have endangered lives.

“They are a vital part of ensuring public safety.

“Any time saved in reaching the emergency services can mean crucial minutes saved in getting to the person who needs help.”

The councillor also urged everyone to be aware of the locations of emergency phones, and to treat them with “respect” in the future.

Mr Courtney added: “Emergency phones at East Beach, Shoebury Common, Thorpe Bay and City Beach are checked daily by foreshore assistants based in these areas.

“And phones to the west of the pier are all checked at least three times a week.

“Any defects are reported to BT, so they can be fixed.

“In this particular case this vandalism was reported to BT earlier this week and is in the process of being fixed.

“We would like to make the public aware that the phones are spaced quite closely together.

“We also urge everyone to treat these emergency phones with respect and to report anyone vandalising them immediately.”

A spokesman for Southend Coastguard said: “A member of the public attempted to use one of the emergency telephones on the promenade when she saw a situation developing in the water over the weekend.

“The handset had been damaged beyond repair.

“Time was lost in finding somebody with a phone in order to dial 999.

“Southend Council’s resort officers were notified of the damage, and hopefully all 20 emergency telephones in the borough will be checked.”

Residents have been urged to report anyone seen damaging the lifesaving phones.