A World War II missile has been blown up in a controlled explosion after being found on a beach.
The sinister-looking rusty cylinder was spotted near a once-secret missile testing research base.
Coastguards said the device was found near Borth and Ynyslas Golf Club in Borth, Cardiganshire, Wales.
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It was later discovered it still contained propellant, and the decision was made to blow it up, as reported by Need To Know.
A Coastguard spokesperson said: “When we find potential ordnance, we place a switched-off radio close by to provide scale and take photos to send to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit to assess.
“It was initially deemed safe, but after a further look, EOD made the decision to come and dispose of the item.
“Due to the tides, the team was tasked again this afternoon (21 July), when it would be uncovered again, to meet with EOD and provide a safety cordon for detonation.
“The burning afterwards confirmed that there was still propellant in the item that had clearly been underwater for many years.
“Thank you to the members of the public who were patient and respected the cordon we created.
“We are not there to inconvenience you, just to keep you safe.
“There are many items of ordnance washed up on the beaches locally.
“If you see anything you suspect to be ordnance, do not pick up or move it.
“Call 999, ask for Coastguard and give as exact a location as you are able to.
“If you see anyone in difficulty on the cliffs, shoreline or out to sea, call and ask for the Coastguard.”
Ynyslas was selected by the Air Ministry as a missile-testing site for solid fuel rocket systems towards the end of World War II.
The Ynyslas Range was nominated to provide special test facilities for the testing of rockets propelled by liquid fuels such as liquid oxygen and petrol.
It saw a secret research base set up with workshops, assembly shops, accommodation huts and ancillary buildings.
The range was to be called Ministry of Supply Experimental Establishment Anti-Aircraft and was pressed into action – with test firings from concrete bases still located close to the shore car park.
But it was decommissioned in 1946.
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