Mystery behind hole on beach solved, says council

The cordon around the hole has been removed

A group of teenagers with metal detectors were thought to have been behind a large hole that appeared on an Essex beach, a council said.

Coastguards discovered the void, measuring 9ft by 8ft wide (2.7m by 2.4m) and 7ft deep (2.1m), on Shoebury East beach on Wednesday afternoon.

Residents saw a group of teenagers at the beach and reported it to Southend City Council.

The council originally thought it was a sinkhole, but later determined it was "man-made".

A spokesperson from Southend City Council said the pit had been filled

A council spokesperson said: "The mystery of the East Beach hole has been solved.

"There was sub soil debris clear at the top of the hole from it being dug out."

They added: "Our contractor Marlborough filled in the hole this morning and removed the barriers.

"We would like to remind everyone of the clear danger that can be caused by digging a large hole like this on a public beach and urge people not to do this."

Items found near the hole were shared on the coastguard's Facebook page