POLICE officers risked their own lives to save four people - including a young boy - who had become stuck in the mud off Southend seafront.

The group, which also included three women, were saved by three quick-thinking officers.

The brave trio have been commended for their bravery.

Fire crews, paramedics, the RNLI, and Southend’s coastguard teams also attended the incident on Chalkwell Esplanade at about 7pm on Tuesday evening.

Witnesses reported spotting one officer carrying the boy to safety, with the officer later requiring treatment in an ambulance.

The officers have been praised for their bravery, with eye-witness Lesley Austine saying they risked their lives “without even thinking about it”.

Ms Austine, who lives on the seafront, watched the incident unfold from her window.

She said: “They were up to their hips in the water when police arrived.

“The police were true heroes. You could see the exhaustion one of the officers face as he carried the boy out. He kept dropping him.

“They risked their lives, they really did.”

The 61-year-old added: “I think they need recognition - especially the young policeman who tirelessly carried the boy a very long way through the mud to safety.

“I’ve been stuck in that mud before, it’s really scary.”

One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “The people, three women and one young boy, were rescued by three police officers who were quickly on the scene, took off their body armour and swam quite far out, without fear for their own danger.

“The other police officers then assisted, and carried the victims safely to shore.

“One of the police officers looked in a bad way, and ended up being treated in an ambulance himself.

“Fire engines turned up around 15 minutes later, and they deployed some inflatables so the people could walk across the pebbles.

“The RNLI turned up around 25 minutes after the police arrived on scene, and only got near the victims once they had been saved by police, and they were swiftly told to turn back by the officers.”

A spokesman for the Essex fire service said: “Crews were called to Chalkwell Esplanade, Westcliff-on-Sea, after reports that four people, including one child, were stuck in the mud.

“Firefighters worked quickly to rescue the people from the mud and brought them to safely to dry land by 7.35pm.” Tuesday’s incident comes after RNLI bosses said the charity has had an increase in call outs since lockdown was eased in May.

The lifting of lockdown restrictions has resulted in seaside towns becoming increasingly busy, leading to Southend’s coastguard and RNLI being called out to several incidents.

Julie Rainey, RNLI’s south east regional media manager, has warned those going to the coastline should take more care to avoid putting themselves or others at risk.