A NOTE and items of clothing were found near Canvey seafront leading to coastguard search to find its owner.

Essex Police will be conducting enquiries across Canvey today after the disturbing discovery was made in the early hours of this morning.

Residents reported seeing the coastguard helicopter searching the water in the early hours of this morning.

A spokesman said: "We were called at around 3am after a man approached the Coastguard after finding a handwritten note and a pair of trainers on a bench next to the seawall off Western Esplanade.

"The note was signed by ‘Clint from East Ham’ and while there was no reference to any self-harm, the detail is still concerning.

"Our officers haven’t received any reports of missing people or anyone in distress near to or in water.

"We are keeping an open mind and we have officers in the area, who are working in partnership with the Coastguard.

"We are also making our enquiries with our colleagues at the Metropolitan Police Service."

Anyone with information should call call Sergeant Melissa Bailey at Rayleigh police station on 101 quoting incident 145 of 13/08.

Always call 999 in an emergency.