A suspected First World War shell sparked an emergency response on a popular Essex beach after it was discovered by a member of the public.
HM Coastguard Southend were called at around 8.10am following reports of a suspicious ordnance found approximately 40 metres offshore at Thorpe Bay.
The item was initially spotted by a local bait digger, prompting Coastguard Rescue Officers to attend the scene and carry out an initial assessment.
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Need To Know reports that photographs and measurements were taken and sent to Dover Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, where Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists reviewed the details.
A 100-metre safety cordon was quickly put in place to protect the public, with Essex Police assisting at the scene.
Following the initial review, EOD teams confirmed the object required further investigation and attended the site.
On arrival, specialists identified the item as part of a potential World War One-era QF 13-pounder field gun shell.
However, experts determined that the explosive fuse had either been removed or lost decades ago, meaning the object no longer posed a danger.
The shells were standard issue for British and Canadian Royal Horse Artillery units at the outbreak of World War One. The Royal Horse Artillery, founded in 1793, later evolved into the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, which still performs at ceremonial events today.
The discovery comes as a reminder that historic ordnance can still be uncovered along the Essex coastline, particularly in areas such as Shoeburyness, which has a long military history and remains home to an active Ministry of Defence testing range at nearby Foulness.
Coastguard teams say they have dealt with hundreds of similar incidents over the years, with some devices requiring controlled explosions, while others are safely removed or deemed harmless.
Members of the public are urged not to touch or move any suspicious objects found on beaches or in the sea, and instead report them immediately to the authorities.
Coastguard officials thanked the local community for their cooperation during the incident, which saw cordons in place on the beach during the busy Easter weekend.
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