A live wartime bomb was left next to a coastguard station after being accidentally picked up on a beach.
Army explosive disposal experts were called to deal with the anti-aircraft shell.
It was later detonated in a controlled explosion.
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Now Coastguards have issued a warning after the find on Shoebury Common Beach, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, on Tuesday (13 May).
The beach is off limits to the public, as reported by Need To Know.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard Southend on Sea said: “We were tasked to a suspected ordnance which had been accidentally picked up by a member of the public on the MOD beaches.
“And when we realised what it might be, we placed it on West Slip next to the HM Coastguard station and called 999.
“Coastguard officers attended and investigated the ordnance, which appeared to be a WWII anti-aircraft shell.
“Officers took measurements and various photos and sent them back to the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, team to review at their Colchester HQ before deciding if attendance was required.
“A 100m cordon was put in place, which was necessary for public safety.
“This covered Shoebury Common Beach, the adjoining nature reserve paths and the car park behind Ness Road by West Slip.
“The Army EOD confirmed it was likely ordnance and made their way from Colchester to further investigate.
“Once on scene, it was confirmed to be an anti-aircraft shell, which they then moved to a location on the MOD beaches close to the HM Coastguard station where they prepared the item for detonation and safely detonated with a controlled explosion.
“The cordon was then lifted.
They added: “We continue to see numerous members of the public using the Mod beaches.
“And ignoring the many signs that are on the West Slip of the dangers entering this area and all along the nature reserve public pathways, of not entering onto these beaches.
“Today, a live piece of ordnance was found in this restricted area, and Coastguard Officers had to request a family with children to vacate the beach east of the HM Coastguard Station.
“And at the very location where this ordnance was later detonated by the Army EOD team.
Today was a clear example that by ignoring such warning signs and entering this restricted area, you may come across live ordnance on these beaches and mud flats.
“We ask that members of the public heed the warning signs shown to protect you and their families’ safety.
“Because these items can be so dangerous, if you ever see something suspicious or out of the ordinary on the beach or in the sea, do not touch it, move it or take it home.”
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