SEVEN children have been injured by razor-sharp shells on Canvey seafront.

The coastguard is now advising beachgoers not to paddle in their bare feet, off Concord beach, near Eastern Esplanade.

The problem has been caused by the shells of rock oysters eroding the rocks.

Castle Point Council is planning to install signs on Canvey seafront, warning people of the danger.

Mick Allwood, station officer at Canvey Coastguard, said at least seven children had suffered deep cuts in the past fortnight and he fears many other incidents have gone unreported.

He added: “These rocks are like a razor. I’ve never seen anything like them.

“They are causing deep lacerations – the sort of wound you would expect to get from a craft knife. They really are quite horrific.”

Rock oysters have increased rapidly in number along Canvey’s coastline in recent years and the shells are thought to cover rocks all the way from the Point to Thorney Bay.

They are especially dangerous at high tide when they are hidden below the surface of the water.

Mr Allwood said: “On one occasion, we went out to a vessel in trouble near Concord Beach and ended up administering first aid to five children.

“In the end, we had to call a paramedic for one little boy because his cuts were so deep.

“If that’s what happened in one afternoon, I imagine there are many more incidents going unreported.”

People are advised to keep their feet covered when playing in the sea, especially at high tide.

Mr Allwood added: “It’s about having an understanding of what’s below the surface of the water.

“Below the high water mark there are all sorts of horrors.”