Warnings of people 'taking home ordnance' found on Selsey beach

Bomb disposal experts have been called out several times recently

Author: Ryan BurrowsPublished 24th Mar 2021
Last updated 24th Mar 2021

A Selsey beach has been closed to the public following reports of people picking up and taking home items of potentially highly explosive ordnance.

Experts from the Navy's Explosives Ordnance Disposal (E.O.D.) team have been called to Medmerry beach multiple times in recent weeks.

The most recent of those incidents was on Monday (March 22nd), where a controlled explosion was carried out at around 3pm.

Selsey's Coastguard Rescue Team has warned the public not to try entering the area from either the Selsey or Bracklesham side.

"Ordnance is dangerous, no matter how dormant it might look. You wouldn’t return to a firework that had gone out so don’t pick it up.

"We’re very concerned to hear reports of more and more of you going onto the beach, picking up ordnance and taking it home.

"These dead looking objects are often highly explosive – do you really want it going off in your garden or house, risking your life and that of those you love?"

The team also added that issues such as sharp and submerged objects, sudden drops and strong currents can put people in danger along the coast.

Anyone who finds a suspicious item while walking is asked to dial 999 and call for the Coastguard.