SOUTHEND Coastguard were called after reports of two women "struggling" in the sea.

The coastguard received the report at 4.45pm last night where two women were struggling in the sea around a mile east of Southend Pier.

A coastguard spokesman said: "Dover MRCC tasked the RNLI Southend Lifeboat hovercraft to proceed to scene whilst Southend Coastguard proceeded to Marine Parade to receive the casualties.

"Once on scene both females had been dropped off by the hovercraft and confirmed were not in any distress and needed no medical attention.

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"Please avoid walking out on the mud or sand flats at low tide if you are unfamiliar with local tides.

"The tides come in fast at right angles to the beach and there is high risk of getting cut off by the tide.

"If you see large crowds walking back, its a good sign that you should also.

"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."