A MAN'S body has been found in a car in the sea in Old Leigh.
Emergency services and the air ambulance have been scrambled to Bell Wharf, which has been cordoned off after 8am.
Coastguards and an air ambulance are also in attendance following the incident shortly after 8am.
The helicopter landed on the beach, and the area is likely to remain closed off for some time.
The vehicle has now been recovered from the water.
It is understand that the incident happened hours before the car was found in a low morning tide.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “A man was found dead after a car was seen in the sea in Leigh. Officers were called shortly after 8am following reports of a vehicle in the water off Bell Wharf.
“A man’s body was found inside the vehicle. Police inquiries are ongoing.
"Officers have ruled out any third party involvement but they are still investigating the circumstances leading to the car entering the water near Bell Wharf.
"The incident is believed to have happened in the early hours of Friday but the vehicle was not discovered until about 8am at low tide.
Anyone with information, or anyone who saw a car near the wharf several hours earlier, should contact officers at Southend on 101."
A man's body was recovered from the car and Essex Police's forensic team is at the scene.
Onlookers described their shock as emergency services swarmed to the quiet part of Old Leigh, and say the incident is 'very sad'.
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