LIFEBOAT crews investigated on Saturday night after a red flare was spotted off Brightlingsea Harbour.
West Mersea RNLI Inshore Lifeboat and Mersea and South Woodham Coastguards were called out to search at 10.10pm following the 999 call.
The crews were stood down after they found a party at Waldergraves setting off red Chinese lanterns.
Another group of people were also found firing fireworks near to Cooper's Beach.
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