CCTV pictures of police officer's sea rescue

PC Martin Knights has been praised for his actions

CCTV pictures have been released showing an Essex police officer's quick-thinking sea rescue. PC Martin Knights has been praised for his potentially life-saving actions after a boy got into difficulty in the sea off Southend.

Officers had been on routine patrol near Adventure Island shortly before 3pm on Wednesday, August 1 when they saw a boy struggling in the water. PC Martin Knights immediately stripped off his uniform, jumped into the water and swam 200 metres to rescue the boy.

The 46-year-old officer brought the 13-year-old boy back to shore where he was checked over by paramedics before being reunited with his step-mother. The pair had travelled to Southend for a day out from their home in Middlesex.