A SEARCH and rescue mission is underway for a person who is missing in the sea near a historic attraction.

Clacton RNLI lifeboat crews have been deployed following reports of a missing man in the water near Clacton Pier.

Five other people are understood to have already been pulled from the sea.

Other emergency services including Essex Police, the East of England Ambulance Service and Coastguard teams are also at the scene.

An air ambulance has also been spotted circling the area in a bid to find the missing person and Tendring Council's Beach Patrol team are also offering support. 

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We are on the scene assisting emergency services colleagues with a serious and ongoing incident close to Clacton Pier.

"There is a significant emergency services presence in the area while the incident is being dealt with.

"We will provide an update as soon as we practically can."

The East of England Ambulance Service has now confirmed two people have been taken to hospital.

A spokesman said: "A large response, including  two ambulances, four Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, was sent to Clacton beach this morning following reports of a number of people in difficulty in the water.

"Five patients were assessed at the scene. One male and one female were transported to Colchester Hospital for further assessment and care.

"Three males were discharged at the scene. Crews remain on-site as one male remains unaccounted for."

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More information as we get it.

Clacton Pier, the RNLI and HM Coastguard have been contacted for comment.