A BOY was left with neck and back injuries after diving from a jetty into shallow water.

The 15-year-old boy, thought to be from Billericay, dived off a four-foot jetty near Uncle Tom’s Cabin in Shoebury.

The ambulance service attended and the boy was put on a spinal board and taken to Southend Hospital.

Coastguard crews have warned youngsters to be careful in the shallow waters.

Spokeswoman for the East of England Ambulance Service, Joy Hale, said: “He had landed on his head, he got up and then realised he was having difficulty standing.

“He complained of back and neck pain and had difficulty moving his left side. He was also getting pins and needles in the tops of his arms.”

It is thought the water the boy jumped into was about 3ft deep. The accident happened at 4pm on Monday his current condition is unknown.

The coastguard were also called to the scene, but did not need to assist.

Archie Turnbull, of Thames Coastguard, issued a warning to beachgoers. He said: “We would advise people to be careful and avoid activities that could end in injury.

“By all means go down to the seaside and enjoy yourself, have a swim, but take care.”

Shoebury councillor Mike Assenheim said: “I’m extremely sorry to hear about the boy. Our inshore waters are not very deep in Shoebury. All we can do is warn the youngsters.”