Hundreds of jellyfish have been washed up on the beach and spotted floating in the water along Southend seafront.

With multiple people having also been stung, Essex Police have now issued a warning and advice on how sunseekers can stay safe during their visit.

Officers took to Chalkwell Beach to find hundreds of purple and white jellyfish in the sea, with the jellyfish in the water from Leigh to Thorpe Bay.

The team have now urged people to be careful when in the area, warning how the jellyfish can grow up to approximately 10 to 20 cm and how they have many stinging tentacles.

A spokesman from Southend BeachCare, said: “There are lots of jellyfish on the beach. Do not touch them or collect them.

"We are lucky to have abundant marine life, so please respect them leave them alone and if stung seek medical attention when necessary."

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If you are stung by one of the jellyfish, the NHS say you should:

• rinse the affected area with seawater (not fresh water)

• remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card

• soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it

• take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen