Major emergency in Southend city centre as person spotted on car park ledge

An emergency operation unfolded in Southend city centre this morning after a person was seen “sitting on a ledge” at height at the Victoria Shopping Centre multi-storey car park.

Police quickly cordoned off the surrounding area, including part of the High Street, Southchurch Road and Chichester Road. Several ambulance crews and a specialist fire rescue team were sent to the scene.

Bus routes were diverted away from Chichester Road and pedestrians were kept away from area.

A spokesperson for the ambulance said: “Two ambulances, a paramedic car and four Hazardous Area Response Teams were sent to Victoria Plaza Southend this morning following calls concerned for the welfare of a man. One man was transported to Southend University Hospital.”

Hearing of the incident, local resident Tracey Sale said: “It’s heartbreaking that people feel this is the only way out. I truly hope they get the help they need.”

A spokesperson for Essex Police confirmed their officers were involved: “We were called to reports of concerns for the welfare of a man in Victoria Plaza, Southend, at about 4.50am. A man was supported by emergency services and we left the scene at about 7.40am.”

The incident has once again raised concerns about mental health provision in the UK, following a number of similar incidents in the Southend area this year alone.

Tony Leverett added: “I’m suffering with mental health myself. I’m waiting over a year to see a mental health doctor as the NHS is so underfunded. I’m praying the person gets the right help.”

Shane Ketchley said: “Mental health support in this country is awful and that is the real issue here. Yes, fencing and everything will prevent it happening at this certain spot, but other locations will be found. It’s about time mental health support access is improved and funding for this needs to be provided.”

According to the Office for National Statistics, more than 5,500 people died by suicide in the UK in 2022 – an average of over 15 lives lost every day.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with mental health, help is available. Contact NHS 111 or speak to one of the following organisations:

• Samaritans – Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight)
• Papyrus (for people under 35) – 0800 068 41 41 (9am to midnight), text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org