Devon beach evacuated after suspected bomb discovered
The object washed ashore in Beer yesterday afternoon.
A beach in Devon was evacuated on Sunday (25 August 2024) afternoon after a suspected unexploded bomb was discovered.
The object, which washed ashore in Beer, east Devon, is believed by some witnesses to be a shell.
It is understood the suspected device may have first been spotted by a metal detectorist and identified by a second person, who raised the alarm.
The Coastguard say they immediately contacted the Plymouth Bomb Disposal Unit to asses the object.
However, before the unit arrived, the object had washed back out to sea, and the Shell was not visible, so nothing more could be done.
Devon and Cornwall Police said they received reports of a "suspected unexploded ordnance" at 4pm and put a cordon in place, which has since been lifted.
A nearby road was closed while police and members of the Coastguard secured the area.
Early this morning, HM Coastguard said they returned at low tide to "reassess the situation."
They say the Shell was not visible, and the beach was reopened.
However, they added that they cannot say that it's gone or that it's not in the bay, so people should take extra care when at the beach and if you see anything like it do not move it, call the Coastguard on 999.