Fire crews have rescued a man who had become stuck waist-deep in mud while working with boats in Arlesford near Colchester.

Firefighters from Colchester, Wivenhoe and an urban search and rescue team were sent to the scene in Ford Lane at around 8.10pm last night, Thursday, May 17.

According to a spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service the man was stuck up to his waist, around 25 metres from the shore.

Firefighters stayed with the man while the rescue operation was being set up, wrapping him in blankets to keep him warm.

A spokesman said: “Water trained firefighters then used a sand lance (a piece of rescue equipment which uses air to loosen the mud) to release him and then used inflatable paths to get him back to shore”

The man was rescued by 9.30pm and was left in the care of the ambulance service.

Watch manager David Bond said: “This incident shows how unpredictable mud and water can be, even for people with experience of working in that environment.

“Getting stuck in the mud can be very dangerous, especially at night.

“Be aware of tide times and always carry a mobile phone.

“In the event of an emergency call 999.

“If the worst should happen it’s important not to panic, spread your weight as much as possible and raise the alarm, shout loudly if you don’t have a mobile phone.”