A MASSIVE air and sea search was sparked on Thursday evening after reports of a missing man.

Police received a call at 7.25pm from a 59 year old local man saying he wanted to jump in the water.

A spokesman said: "Due to concerns forhis mental state a full search of the area was initiated. With Coastguard and ground and air support we searched from Chalwell to Old Leigh including making enquiries with friends and family and checking in the hospital, pubs and shops. 

"The man was not located and the search continues."

The Coastguard joined the RNLI lifeboat crews in scouring the water from the pier to Leigh.

The police helicopter was also involved in the search.

After two and a half hours the search was called off. It had not resumed on Friday morning but the man is still missing.