Kite surfer in 'distress' rescued from sea

A kite surfer had to be helped out of the water by a police marine unit

A kite surfer had to be rescued from the sea after he "fell into distress", a police force has said.

Essex Police said a 999 call was made to the Coastguard at Mersea Island on Sunday.

The man had been in the water for about 30 minutes and could not get to the shore safely, said police.

Ch Insp Jennifer Bliss said: "Thankfully this incident was ultimately very safely dealt with by marine officers who were able to locate him very quickly after the call being transferred to us."

The marine unit came to rescue the man who got stuck in the water while kite surfing

The man was brought to shore safely and given medical checks, police said.