Two children discover unexploded 'bomb' on South Devon beach

The pair spotted an upturned World War Two Anti Tank Mine at the top of Slapton Sands yesterday

Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 1st Feb 2021

The Royal Navy EOD team was called to the scene of an unexploded 'bomb' on a South Devon beach.

It was spotted on Slapton Sands yesterday by two children, whose parents called the Coastguard.

Teams confirmed it was an Anti Tank Mine - several have recently been found in the area.

It was destroyed in a controlled explosion.

Dartmouth Coastguard Rescue Team issued this statement on Facebook:

"We were tasked to Slapton Sands to reports of possible Unexploded Ordinance found on the beach.

"On our arrival we were met by the local family that had called us, they had been walking on the beach after the overnight storm.

"Their children Balin, 11 and Tate, 7 had spotted an upturned WW2 Anti Tank Mine at the top of the beach, which had been uncovered during the storm.

"Living locally they knew the history of Slapton Sands and the significance of what they found and told their parents who called the Coastguard.

"We attended and assessed the situation the Royal Navy EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) was called to attend. This is yet another Anti Tank Mine, several have recently been found on Slapton Sands. The road was temporarily closed for public safety

"The Royal Navy EOD quickly arrived and decided to dispose of the mine in situ. The mine was destroyed by a controlled explosion and the resulting crater is shown with a shovel for scale

"Well done to Balin and Tate for spotting this mine and doing the right thing by contacting the Coastguard."

The Coastguard are reminding people to call 999 and ask for them in a coastal emergency.

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