LIFEBOAT teams were scrambled amid fears a drunk man had fallen from a seawall off Westcliff.

Southend Coastguard and lifeboat teams launched and headed to the waters opposite Shorefield Road, at the junction with Western Esplanade.

An informant reported a man, who was intoxicated, was sitting on the seawall at the high spring tide.

When they looked back he was not there, and they thought he had fallen into the high water off the seawall.

Teams rushed to the scene at around 12.40am this morning.

A Coastguard spokesman said: "We proceeded to scene with the RNLI Southend Lifeboat requested and launched as any rescue would be time critical.

"Canvey Coastguard were also requested as a flank team to Southend.

"Upon arrival at scene Essex Police were on scene and were with the male as it was confirmed they had not entered the water.

"Once confirmed the person was safe and well, Dover MRCC stood down all crews.

"Should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, don’t hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, you could save someone’s life."