SOUTHEND’s coastguard is urging motorists to stay off the city’s beaches after a car became stranded on mudflats.

The vehicle was driven onto Shoebury Common Beach on Tuesday evening but quickly became stuck.

The coastguard sent a team out to help the stranded vehicle, which was stuck near the end of the slip way off Ness Road.

A spokesman said crews were asked to stay at the scene due to concerns the car’s owner would take “unnecessary risks” to rescue the vehicle from the incoming tide.

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The Toyota was eventually submerged under water when the tide was fully in.

Photos show only the car's roof was visible during high tide.

Police and the fire service were called to the scene after smoke was seen coming from the stranded car.

Crews left the scene overnight on Tuesday, with only the coastguard returning on Wednesday to ensure the safety of the car’s owner.

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The vehicle was removed on Wednesday evening after the owner arranged for recovery.

Coastguard bosses are urging people not to take unnecessary risks on beaches and ensure slip ways across Southend remain clear at all times.

An eyewitness said the car became stranded at the end of the slip way and would have stopped any rescue boats or vessels from being launched.

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A coastguard spokesman said; “The Ness Road ‘West Slipway’ is for launching water craft and also for emergency access at all times only.

“Vehicles are prohibited from parking on or down the slipway unless involved with launching / recovering water craft.

“Vehicles are ’not’ permitted to be driven onto beaches where they will quickly become stuck under soft sand and mud, which may turn out to be a costly excursion.”