Two missing children have been found safe after an extensive search along Southend seafront.

HM Coastguard Southend were initially tasked with locating a missing 8-year-old, reported missing by their parents near the water fountains at Marine Parade, at around 5:30pm yesterday.

Coastguard Officers worked with Essex Police to create search plans, in an effort to locate the child.

A National Police Air Service helicopter was requested, and a search along the seafront was promptly initiated.

Reports were then received that a child, looking lost, had been spotted by a Pier and Foreshore officer at west slip Shoebury beach.

The child matched the description of the missing person, and Essex Police promptly made their way to Shoebury, to pick up the child and reunite them with their parents back at Marine Parade.

Whilst this search was ongoing, another six-year-old child was also reported missing.

Upon this report, a further search was initiated, leveraging resources from Essex Police, townlink CCTV, RNLI Southend Lifeboat, and more Coastguard Officers.

Ultimately, the child was found and safely reunited with their parents.

Coastguard officers have since issued some advice for parents visiting the city.

When arriving at the beach, it is recommended you take a family selfie, as this can aid search teams if a child goes missing. It is also suggested that you establish a designated meeting spot for reunification.

Additionally, consider using wristbands inscribed with a parent's phone number, which can be ordered online or possibly obtained at the Pier and Foreshore reception, as a means of quickly reuniting a lost child with their family.

Above all else, remain vigilant for each other and your loved ones, especially children when near water on the beach.

A spokesman for HM Coastguard Southend added: "Please share our safety advice, please share across communities outside of our local areas for the many visitors that visit from outside the city of Southend.

"Let’s work together and look out for each other.

"Most of all, if you should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, don’t hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."