UPDATE:

Rescuers have failed in their bid to pull a digger free before the sea rushed in at Landguard beach, next to the Port of Felixstowe, after it became stuck in mud.

The Volvo made Tru-Plant digger, used by contractors working for the port, became trapped this morning and despite frantic efforts they were unable to get it onto a firmer part of the beach before the tide came in.

Recovery truck specialists Spalls were called in and will work with an on site bulldozer, to bring the digger ashore before diesel and hydraulic oil leaked into the sea.

It is estimated the digger was worth around £100,000 but will probably have to be written off due to the sea water damage.

The driver of the bulldozer was able to clamber free and no injuries were reported, except perhaps hurt pride.

Police cordoned off an area of the Landguard car park and, according to a staff members at the viewpoint cafe, servers were asked not to allow customers onto the outside area overlooking the incident.

Fencing was already in place around the site where work was being carried out on the beach area.

Recovery work will commence this evening. Hight tide comes in at 3.44pm at Landguard Beach, with low tide due tonight at 9.29pm.

Contractors are expected to puts straps and a harness around the digger, connect it to the bulldozer, which in turn will be secured by a steel rope to the Spall truck, which was formerly used by REME engineers.

The digger will then be gently pulled from the mud and dragged up the beach.

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