WWII Bomb detonated on Southend Beach

A suspected piece of unexploded World War II ordnance was safely detonated in a controlled explosion today after being accidentally discovered by a member of the public on restricted Ministry of Defence (MOD) land near Southend.

HM Coastguard Southend was alerted at approximately 2:55pm yesterday (Tuesday 13 May) after a member of the public picked up what they believed to be a suspicious object from the MOD beaches—an area clearly marked as off-limits.

Realising the potential danger, they placed the item on the West Slipway adjacent to the Coastguard station and dialled 999.

Coastguard officers responded immediately, cordoning off a 100-metre radius for public safety. The restricted area included Shoebury Common Beach, nearby nature reserve footpaths, and the car park behind Ness Road.

Upon inspection, the item was believed to be a World War II anti-aircraft shell. Photos and measurements were sent to the British Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, who reviewed the evidence from their Colchester base before dispatching a team to the scene.

After confirming the item was indeed a live shell, the EOD team safely relocated it to a secure area on MOD land near the Coastguard station. The ordnance was then destroyed in a controlled explosion.

The safety cordon was lifted at 6:25pm following the successful detonation.

Southend Coastguard has extended its thanks to the public for their cooperation during the incident.

“While it may be inconvenient on a sunny day, public safety is always our top priority,” a spokesperson said. Appreciation was also expressed for the Army EOD unit, the Southend Community Safety Officer, and HM Coastguard Canvey Island team, who assisted in securing the area.

In the wake of today’s incident, the Coastguard issued a strong reminder to avoid entering MOD beaches, which are clearly marked with warning signs. During the operation, officers had to ask a family with children to vacate a restricted area—just metres from where the ordnance was later detonated.

“Today serves as a stark reminder of the real dangers present in these restricted zones,” the Coastguard warned. “We urge all members of the public to respect warning signs and avoid these hazardous areas.”

Anyone who spots a suspicious object on the beach or in the water is urged not to touch or move it. Instead, retreat to a safe location and call 999, asking for the Coastguard.

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