Coastguard teams have issued an urgent warning after beach goers were rescued from a high tide at Shoebury's restricted beaches.

Sunbathers and swimmers were rescued from Ministry of Defence (MOD) restricted beaches in Shoebury on Bank Holiday monday, which are banned from public use.

Southend's coastguard team has since issued a stern warning to beach goers, as several signs on the sea wall, near the Barge Pier, prohibit access to the beach below.

The team rescued several people who were stuck on the sand, and had no access to leave the beach as the tide rose.

Officers from the coastguard team used 'throw lines' to help people who were struggling to get off the beach, with the beach almost submerged in water.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

A spokesman from Southend Coastguard, said: "Faced with parking and access issues to and from the station, and beach goers seeking social distancing, this led to people using the heavily signposted MOD property.

"The signs clearly visible all along warning the public of danger and prohibiting use of the area due to a number of dangers, that sadly had been ignored.

"We would always advise before visiting the coast to use the internet or telephone the authorities as such for any information available to you prior to your visit.

"The team donned all safety PPE and PPC (personal protective equipment and clothing) with rescue kit including throw lines, and proceeded along the sea wall.

"The Southend Coastguard team carried out a safety sweep of the area to offer advice to anyone using the locale and point out any and all potential hazards.

"Please where possible we ask you to adhere to government guidelines and to warning signs, think about those in the emergency services you may place at risk if called to your aid.

"Should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, please don’t hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard, your fourth emergency service."