A hero policeman who saved a teenager from drowning in the sea off Southend said yesterday he only did what was necessary.

PC Graham Warboys, of Rayleigh traffic police, played down his daring rescue which saved the life of the youngster.

He said: "It was one of those things. I saw what was necessary and just went and did it."

The drama unfolded when PC Warboys was on routine patrol just after midnight on Monday.

He heard on the radio that someone was in trouble in the water off Marine Parade and he answered the call as he was close by.

PC Warboys discovered an 18-year-old boy was stuck and was getting out of his depth.

The boy's companions and members of the public had tried to help but could not get him out of the sea.

With no thought for his own personal safety, PC Warboys dived into the icy cold water and pulled the boy ashore.

It is believed the boy, who is from London, had been messing about on the beach and ran out into the water.

He got his foot stuck in the mud and the tide started to come in.

He had to be whisked to Southend Hospital by ambulance suffering from slight hypothermia and was treated for a sprained ankle.

Insp Andy Norton, of Rayleigh traffic police, said: "We go to any call if we happen to be closest. We do not just stick to traffic matters.

"PC Warboys is a very hard-working officer and turns up at jobs, sorts out what needs doing and gets on with it.

"He was soaking wet when he came out of the water so we made sure he had plenty of hot drinks before he went home."

An Essex Police spokesman said: "It is thanks to the quick-thinking and bravery of the officer that the 18-year-old was brought out of the water and prevented from drowning.

"He is quite a hero."

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