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Emergency services have asked the public to avoid part of a beach in Essex following what the coastguard rescue team has described as a “tragic incident”.

Early on Thursday, the West Mersea Coastguard Rescue Team said they had been called to an incident near Seaview Avenue in West Mersea, Colchester, on Wednesday evening.

“We have responded to a tragic incident on West Mersea beach. Our thoughts are with the family involved,” the Facebook post said, adding they would not be making any further comment.

The nature of the incident has not been disclosed.

Essex 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.”