HEROIC police officers who raced against time – and the incoming tide – to save a woman and children stranded on the mudflats off Southend have been recongised for their bravery.

Insp Tony Adams, Temp Sgt Amy Butler and PC Josh Woodcraft took matters into their own hands when they were first to arrive at the emergency incident off Chalkwell Esplanade.

A woman had made a 999 call to say she and three children had become stuck in mud and were at risk from the tide.

One of the children, 15, had suffered a deep wound to her leg and was losing a lot of blood as a result.

The child was said to be light-headed and close to passing out by the time the officers waded in and rescued them.

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The trio had waited for the coastguard and other emergency services to arrive at the scene but made the brave decision to walk out across the mud after CCTV showed the tide had risen up to some of the children’s necks.

They entered the rising water and were able to guide the woman and children back to shore where they received treatment from paramedics.

Recalling the incident, Insp Adams said: “My wife worked in detention in Southend Police station at the time and came out of custody and into my big open office, and said to my sergeant, ‘Where’s Tony…?’ “He pointed up to the CCTV screen.

"She could see me going in the water and apparently she shouted at them, ‘But he can’t swim!’."

He added: “The reality of it is it’s something that somebody in our organisation does every day, really.

“You just do it. It’s what you do.”

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Insp Adams and the two officers have both been handed Essex Police Federation Bravery awards for their actions in June last year.

The trio attend a ceremony next week to celebrate their actions along with other officers who have been commended for bravery.

An overall winner will also be crowned.

Laura Heggie, Chair of Essex Police Federation, said: “Once again this incident displays the courage of our Essex Police officers.

“If these officers hadn’t made the dynamic decision to go to the aid of the members of the public, this incident may well have ended very differently.

“It was clear that this course of action was not taken lightly and there was a good understanding of the capabilities of other blue-light services, however the risk to life guided the officers to put the needs of the members of the public first.

“I commend them for their bravery and quick-thinking.”