A teenager was talked down to safety from the top of Victoria Shopping Centre’s multi-storey car park in Southend’s town centre.

The teenager was spotted at the edge of the roof of the building and Essex Police and British Transport Police sealed off the junction of Queensway and Chichester Road.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Officers from Essex Police attended an incident in Southend with colleagues from British Transport Police at around 8.20pm on Tuesday evening.

“We received a report of concern for the welfare of a teenager.”

Manager of Victoria Shopping Centre, Dennis Baldry, was relieved that the teenager is safe.

He said: “The incident was handled by the police who dealt with the situation in a speedy and highly professional manner.

“Our on site team provided full support and assistance and the young man was taken off site by the police.

He added: “I am very grateful to the emergency services and hope that the young man involved is OK.”

Councillor Ian Gilbert, who represents the Victoria ward, said: “It’s a very tragic thing to happen and I am very glad that it’s been resolved.

“I give full credit to the police and staff members at the Victoria Shopping Centre for being able to handle this.”

The incident was resolved at 10pm. Police reported the teenager was taken into the care of medical professionals.