SECURITY guards have been praised for talking down a suicidal man from rocks at Clacton seafront.

Emergency services were called to the aid of the 36- year-old, of Islington, north London, at 5.30pm on Saturday.

Clacton RNLI’s D-Class inshore lifeboat was called to the beach, east of Clacton Pier, following reports of a man threatening to take his own life.

Helmsman Tim Sutton praised AGS Security guards Kevin Troy and James Grantham, who were on duty at the coastal defence works when they went to the man’s aid.

“When we arrived, the security staff were already there and were talking to the man,” said Mr Sutton.

“It was raining and he was sitting on the rocks with his legs in the water.

“They talked him off the rocks and brought him away from the shore.

“We went ashore and put a blanket around him and we waited until the police and an ambulance arrived.

“He was taken away in the ambulance for further assessment. The security staff did really well to ensure there was a positive outcome.”

AGS Security owner Steve Beardsley also praised the guards.

“They have had training from our company on potential risks, including suicide and potential suicides," he said.

“But they did a fantastic job when it was needed.”