RESCUE teams involved in the search for ten-year-old Stella Akanbi, who went missing in the sea off Clacton, have been thanked for their efforts.

The body of a ten-year-old girl was recovered from the sea off the resort shortly after 3.35pm on Monday.

Stella, who was visiting the resort from Buckinghamshire, went missing at about 4pm on Sunday after getting into difficulty while swimming.

A spokesman for the Essex coroner’s office said the recovered body has not yet been formally identified, but is expected to be within days.

Tendring Council’s acting deputy leader Peter Halliday praised emergency services and rescue teams for their work during the 24-hour search.

“It truly was a massive team effort, involving the RNLI, coastguard, police, the council’s own beach patrol team and many others who joined in – and a very difficult time for them all,” he said.

“While our thoughts obviously go out to Stella’s parents, family and friends, it is also a time to reflect on the efforts of those who took part in the search and recovery of this young girl.”

Mr Halliday added millions of visitors enjoyed Tendring’s coastline every year and returned home with many happy memories.

“Sadly in this instance it was not the case for Stella and her group, but they were given the full efforts and support of all the rescue teams who took part.”

The council’s beach patrol team flew a flag at half mast at its boathouse yesterday as a mark of respect.

“The team was the first on the scene when it became apparent something was wrong near the Palace breakwater,” added Mr Halliday.

“It was very much involved in the initial search for Stella and wants to thank all those other services and volunteers who responded to its call for assistance.”