A MAN has been rescued along Southend seafront as coastguard teams respond to an "immediate threat to life".

HM Coastguard Southend were called to an "immediate" response at 12.20 on Tuesday.

An ‘immediate’ response is when there is an immediate threat to life.

This was after reports of a man struggling in the water off marine parade with a rising tide.

RNLI Southend Lifeboat also arrived quickly on the scene and pulled the casualty from the water.

Coastguard officers then provided care for the man within the RNLI boathouse, whilst waiting for the East of England Ambulance Service.

A spokesman for HM Coastguard Southend said: "We were tasked to an ‘immediate’ response at 12.20 on Tuesday to reports of a male struggling in the water off marine parade with a rising tide.

"Coastguard officers provided casualty care in the RNLI boathouse whilst awaiting for East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

"But after treatment for minor cuts and post monitoring the casualty, the casualty discharged themselves from the care of Coastguard Officers prior to the arrival of the ambulance.

"Should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, don’t hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, you could save someone’s life."