Four children rescued after getting trapped in mud

It took the emergency services three hours to rescue the four children from the mud. Picture: HOLBROOK COASTGUARD RESCUE TEAM (Image: HOLBROOK COASTGUARD RESCUE TEAM)

Emergency services were called at 7.15 pm on Tuesday after four 12-year-olds got into difficulty on the beach between Copperas Wood, Wrabness and Parkeston.

Firefighters from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service worked with the Coastguard, Essex Police and the East of England Ambulance Service to free the youngsters, three girls and a boy, and get them to safety.

Crews spent almost three hours rescuing the children from the mud.

Essex Police praised one of the girls for calling 999.

The children used lights on their phones to guide the emergency services towards them. Picture: HOLBROOK COASTGUARD RESCUE TEAM (Image: HOLBROOK COASTGUARD RESCUE TEAM)

A spokesman for Essex Police said: 'We would like to praise the actions of a 12-year-old girl after she was lost in Wrabness with three of her friends.

'We requested the support of the Coastguard and the RNLI before informing their parents.

'The four children were located by officers, with two making it to safety with their assistance.

'The other two were lifted to safety by the Coastguard's helicopter.

It took the emergency services three hours to rescue the four children from the mud near Wrabness. Picture: HOLBROOK COASTGUARD RESCUE TEAM (Image: HOLBROOK COASTGUARD RESCUE TEAM)

'All four children were taken to hospital for precautionary checks.

'The girl who called us was calm and composed and this led to the children being located swiftly in spite of their isolated location.'

Quentin Sage, station manager at Dovercourt Fire Station, said: 'We'd urge you to avoid playing in or near any water at night, even if the tide is out.

'The associated dangers can happen quickly and without warning.'