'Tombstoning' warning is issued

The site at Bell Wharf where the youths were seen jumping into the water

Coastguards have warned people against the practice of "tombstoning" in Essex.

It comes after a group of youths were seen jumping into the water at Leigh-on-Sea near Southend.

Thames Coastguard told BBC Essex they were called to reports of around 15 to 20 youths so-called "tombstoning" off Bell Wharf on Wednesday.

There were no reports of injuries but Essex Police officers were also called and the group was removed from the site for their own safety.