FIREFIGHTERS and coastguards have been called in to rescue a family after their speed boat got stuck in the mud.

Crews from Southend are laying out inflatable pathways to bring the two adults and three children ashore from the boat in Benfleet Creek.

They are working from the bridge on Canvey Way.

Coastguard Mick Allwood said:”They left Wat Tyler Country Park in a small speed boat and ran aground when they got to Benfleet creek.

“It was too risky to walk them ashore so we called in the fire brigade.”

Police and ambulance are also on the scene.