AN air ambulance landed on a busy beach on Friday evening, much to the shock of day trippers.

The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance lowered on a beach in Clacton, at about 5.30pm.

Sun seekers who had travelled to the town had been enjoying what has been reported as the third hottest day on record.

After the air ambulance landed, paramedics appeared to rush to the aid of someone on the beach, said to be near the Clacton Pier.

The East of England Ambulance Service and the Beach Patrol were also on hand to provide assistance.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:
According to eyewitnesses, it is then believed they stretchered the patient to the promenade, before putting him in a land ambulance in which he was taken to hospital.

One Clacton resident, who lives in Marine Parade West, a short walk from where the air ambulance landed, said she rushed to see what was going on.

"I saw the helicopter from my house starting to land on the beach, so I went down there to see why it was there," she said, speaking anonymously.

"Once I got there, I saw a lot of people gathering around, not far from the pier, and it was quite shocking to see.

"I then saw the paramedics take a man away on a stretcher and he was put in the ambulance and before the air ambulance took off a short while later."

The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and the East of England Ambulance Service have been contacted for more information.