A man was rushed to hospital following an accident while kite surfing near Southend.

Southend Coastguard were called out to help the male around 4.30pm yesterday (Sunday, May 9) amid reports of a casualty near East Beach in Shoebury. 

The RNLI had used the hovercraft to rescue the man out at sea and bring him to shore safely. 

He was placed on a stretcher and carried back to a nearby road where he was left in the care of paramedics. 

The coastguard says the kite surfer suffered possible 'serious' leg injuries. 

A spokesman added: "The casualty was stabilised in the ambulance before transfer to hospital.

"Thanks to our colleagues at RNLI Southend Lifeboat and East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust and we wish the casualty a quick and full recovery."