A STARK warning has been issued after reports of children 'tombstoning' - the act of jumping from piers and jetties - around south Essex.

Southend Coastguard's safety message is directed to parents of children, specifically teenagers, who engage in the deadly practice.

The Coastguard says children continue to jump from Barge Pier, in Shoeburyness, Gilson Pier, in Southend and Bell Wharf, in Leigh.

A spokesman said: "With the school holidays now upon us and warmer weather with us, HM Coastguard Southend is seeing an increase of tombstoning off of our local piers and jetties mainly by teenagers who think it is ‘cool’ to jump into the water.

"Whilst such activities appear on the surface as fun, actually these local piers and jetties have hidden dangers and we have had many incidents down the years and in 2021 of people needing to be rescued and severely injuring themselves.

"Last Sunday we had someone jump off Gilson Pier off Marine Parade who opened up a large hole in their thigh exposing their femur, not a pretty sight."

The Coastguard reported nine deaths in the past ten days from people visiting the coast around the UK.