Emergency services spent several hours searching for a missing person who had reportedly been spotted on Two Tree Island. 

Police confirmed the search was in relation to missing person Sally Connolly, 31, from Westcliff. 

Essex Police and the Southend and Canvey coastguard teams were called out at 9pm yesterday (Thursday, July 29) after a member of public had seen the missing person near an outfall pipe to the west of the island. 

The teams carried out their search throughout the remainder of the evening and into the early hours of the morning. 

A police helicopter which was equipped with thermal imaging was also called to search from above, but the teams were stood down at 1am after no one was found. 

Police will continue their investigations into the missing person. 

Read more:

A coastguard spokesman said: "Southend Coastguard and Canvey Coastguard were tasked to conduct initial searches north and south of Benfleet creek.

"Southend Coastguard proceeded to search along ‘Howards Way’ which is a 5km public footpath south of the railway line between Leigh and Benfleet adjacent to Benfleet Creek.

"Coastguard officers took particular interest around the locale of the outlet pipe to confirm if there was any sign or trace of the person of interest but nothing was found.

"Officers then proceeded onward onto Two Tree Island searching up to the slip way and car park but again nothing was seen or found."

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "The search was in relation to a missing person appeal issued yesterday for Sally Connolly, 31, who is missing from Westcliff."