Cordon put in place after metal detectors find 'something metal' after digging

A cordon was put in place on Brean beach yesterday after a potential ordnance was discovered - which will be looked at again today.

A cordon was put in place yesterday as a precaution
Author: Andrew KayPublished 19th Oct 2020
Last updated 19th Oct 2020

Coastguards made sure no one got near it, until the tide rose again.

A spokesperson for Burnham Coastguard last night said: "Beaches were busy today with many people enjoying the mild weather and the scenic views.

"One group of people were carrying out a bit of metal detecting when they had a ping on their detector.

"They dug down to where the signal was coming from and hit something that appeared to be metal.

"After a little more digging they thought they had better report it to someone and the Brean Beach Warden was contacted, he, in turn, called the Coastguard Operations Centre who tasked us to investigate further.

"When we arrived we cleared all persons from the area and gathered as much information as we could including a grid reference and a What3Words reference, these will help us locate the item tomorrow so we can check it is fully covered and no danger to beach users

"Once we had gathered that info we maintained our safety cordon for three hours until the water had completely covered it and it was safe to leave.

"We will be back to double-check it is still covered and safe tomorrow.

"As always we advise should you find ordnance or washed up flares, DO NOT touch them, keep a safe distance away and tell others to do the same.

"Report it to a beach warden or lifeguard if on duty, or dial 999 and ask for the Coastguards giving as much information as possible."