Essex Police has today announced the closure of Burnham's marine unit.

In a bid to save £36million over the next three financial years, it has been decided that the marine unit based in Station Road will close and a dog unit in Sandon will be restructured.

This means more than £750,000 a year will be saved.

Essex Police Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: "A number of our marine officers will transfer to Special Branch but, where necessary, continue to provide a response to marine and inland water-search incidents.

"PCSOs currently working at Burnham on the Marine Unit will be redeployed into local Neighbourhood Policing teams, where Essex Police will seek to use their experience to support local communities where practical.

"Essex Police currently has one large vessel (the Essex Police launch Alert IV), three smaller rigid-hulled inflatable boats (rhibs) and two jet-skis. The force is evaluating which equipment to retain (to ensure we are both efficient and effective) and will seek to sell anything no longer required.

"Although coastal ‘search and rescue’ remains the primary responsibility of the HM Coastguard, Essex Police retains the ability to support partners where needed. The Police National Air Service also provides the capability to respond to coastal incidents."