Essex Police are working with the coastguard and the fire service to rescue drivers stuck in their vehicles at The Strood, Mersea.

A number of vehicles have become stuck due to the high tide.

They are advising drivers to avoid the area for the foreseeable future. 

The coastguard helicopter has spotted hovering above the area.

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "A 999 call was made to HM Coastguard at 11.43am today to report two cars stuck on the Strood Crossing at West Mersea.

"The West Mersea Coastguard Team, the Clacton RNLI and West Mersea RNLI lifeboats and the Search and Rescue helicopter from Lydd are currently assisting."

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "The road is closed and will remain so until the flood waters subside.

"Everyone in the vehicles has been accounted for and we don't believe anyone has been hurt."

A water rescue boat was deployed alongside the RNLI, Coastguard and a search helicopter to ensure there was no-one trapped in vehicles on The Strood.

The fire service has urged people to not drive into flood water. 

Station Manager Danny Partridge, who led the incident, said: "This incident has demonstrated how dangerous it can be to drive into deep water.

"Just a couple of feet of water is enough to float a car, which could mean stalling, a loss of control and even mechanical damage.

"Especially in these difficult weather conditions, it just isn't worth the risk. If the water is any higher than half of your car wheels, you shouldn't attempt to drive through."