Southend: Photo Release Of Man Missing In Sea

3 September 2012, 05:35 | Updated: 3 September 2012, 05:51

Essex Police have released a photograph in a bid to trace a man believed to have been last seen in difficulties in the sea.

Despite searches by the Coastguard, RNLI and Essex Police marine unit, Stephen Jones, 52, has not been seen since being spotted by a member of the public clinging to a buoy off Southend's Western Esplanade.

Emergency services were immediately scrambled after the alarm was raised by a member of the public at 11.30am on Thursday (August 30th).

RNLI officers searching the beach found clothing and personal items which were found to belong to Mr Jones, who is known to have led a nomadic lifestyle.

He has moved between various hostels around the South East with his last known address in south London.

Officers want to hear from anyone who might have seen Mr Jones in Southend before or since Thursday.

Anyone with information about should contact Southend police station on 101.