A wartime bomb was detonated in a controlled explosion after it was picked up by a visitor on a restricted MOD beach in Southend.
The anti-aircraft shell, believed to date back to the Second World War, was found on the Ministry of Defence (MOD) beaches in Shoebury – an area clearly marked as off-limits to the public due to the risk of unexploded ordnance.
After picking up the object, the individual realised it could be dangerous and placed it down on the slipway next to the HM Coastguard station on Shoebury Common Beach, before dialling 999.
Southend Coastguard responded quickly, setting up a 100-metre cordon which covered the beach, the nearby nature reserve paths, and the car park behind Ness Road. A family with children was asked to leave the area for safety.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard Southend said:
“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 the British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team arrived, the shell was confirmed as an anti-aircraft round. It was safely moved to a secure part of the MOD beach and detonated in a controlled explosion.
The coastguard has since thanked members of the public for their cooperation and acknowledged support from a community safety officer and HM Coastguard Canvey.
They also issued a fresh warning about the ongoing dangers of venturing into restricted MOD zones in Southend.
The spokesperson added:
“We continue to see numerous members of the public using the MOD beaches and ignoring the many signs that are on West Slip of the dangers entering this area.
“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 your 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.
“If you are unsure, let the experts decide if it is safe. Move to a safe space and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard so our teams can investigate.”
The MOD beach at Shoebury has long been known for discoveries of unexploded wartime devices due to its historic military use.