Police have shut down West Mersea beach near Colchester, Essex, after what they describe as a 'tragic incident'. The public has been urged to 'stay away' from the area.
Emergency response
Emergency services, including at least six ambulances, arrived around 5:30pm on Wednesday evening, with the RNLI first to respond. Two air ambulances were called and landed nearby, along with a dozen police cars, a fire engine, a lifeboat, six ambulances, and a Coastguard helicopter.
West Mersea Coastguard Rescue Team said in a statement their 'thoughts are with the family involved', although no further details have been shared. The RNLI confirmed its lifeboats from West Mersea and Clacton had been launched.
Police statement
In a Facebook statement, local police said: 'While we remain on scene, we would ask the public to avoid the Seaview Avenue and beach area. We appreciate that this will cause some local issues, but would ask for your patience and understanding as we may be there for some time yet.'
The area was cordoned off with a wind breaker, with emergency vehicles parked alongside the multicoloured pastel beach huts.
Eyewitness accounts
An eyewitness told The Sun they saw 'about 18 emergency vehicles', claiming they 'must have been searching for someone'. 'A lot of people had their head in their hands so it was clearly a sensitive issue,' they added. 'All the paramedics I could see were down at the beach.'
Locals fear there may have been fatalities, having reportedly seen people being pulled from the water and CPR performed. The currents are known to be strong in the area, which can take visitors by surprise, however the emergency services have not yet confirmed the nature of the incident.
