Essex Police update after incident at Two Tree Island in Leigh

The incident unfolded at 8.50am on Sunday when police cars and ambulances were called to the scene near Two Tree Island.

The road to the island, which runs from Belton Way to Two Tree Nature Reserve, was closed by police while paramedics tended to a man and a child.

The incident continued into the afternoon, by which point an eyewitness said there were “four ambulances and several police cars” closing off the road.

Closed – police shut the road on Sunday afternoon as the response continued (Image: Google Street View)

Essex Police released a statement at 2.30pm, when an official spokesman asked for patience from the public.

He said: “We are currently at the scene of an incident close to Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, following reports of concern for the welfare of a man and child.

“We are working with the East of England Ambulance Service and have closed the road nearby while our work is ongoing.

“Thank you for your patience.”

Emergency services remained on the scene for another two hours and confirmed paramedics transported both the man and the child from the scene by ambulance, though police confirmed neither were injured.

The man was later arrested by police, whose enquiries are ongoing.

At 4.37pm, a spokesman said: “We have now left the scene of an incident close to Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, following reports of concern for the welfare of a man and child this morning.

“Both the man and the child left the scene via ambulance service and no injuries have been reported.

Arrest – police confirmed they arrested a 21-year-old man (Image: Northern Echo)

“A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this incident and our enquiries are ongoing.”

Insp Sian Parry, of Southend’s local policing team, thanked the efforts put in by the police and paramedics to ensure the incident was resolved safely.

She said: “I’d like to thank all the emergency service colleagues that attended the scene which meant this situation was resolved as safely as possible.

“Keeping the public safe is always our top priority, and this incident was no different.”