Three people have been rushed to hospital after a terrifying incident in the sea near Clacton Pier as the UK's fourth heatwave continues to bake the country.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance helicopter, swarmed the popular Essex beauty spot shortly after 4:30pm today following frantic reports of swimmers in distress.

Hero rescuers brought all three individuals back to shore before paramedic crews took over to provide urgent medical treatment on the sand. All three victims were subsequently rushed to hospital for further care.

The dramatic rescue unfolded in front of packed crowds enjoying the scorching summer sun along the Essex coast.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: "All emergency services have been at the scene of an incident close to Clacton Pier, which began shortly after 4.30pm today.

"Ambulance service colleagues reported three people had got into difficulty in the water and had been brought ashore. All three required medical treatment and have been taken to hospital for further care.

"Thank you to everyone who followed instructions to allow emergency services to work quickly at the scene."