Emergency services rushed to Southend seafront yesterday to rescue four people.

Fire crews were called to Chalkwell Esplanade yesterday, with reports four people were stuck in the mud off the Westcliff shoreline.

The Echo has been told three girls and one 'young boy' were freed from the mud, with around fifteen emergency vehicles seen at the scene.

Police also attended the scene, and witnesses reporting one officer carried one boy to safety, with the officer later requiring treatment in an ambulance.

Witnesses have praised police for their bravery, with several officers involved in the rescue operation.

Firefighters, along with a marine rescue team and another search and rescue team, freed the group at around 7.35pm last night.

A spokesman for the Essex fire service, said: "Crews were called to Chalkwell Esplanade, Westcliff-on-Sea, after reports that four people, including one child, were stuck in the mud. 

"Firefighters worked quickly to rescuce the people from the mud and brought them to safely to dry land by 7.35pm."