April 30, 2018 5.22 pm This story is over 77 months old

Controlled detonation on Cleethorpes beach after World War II explosive device found

Maritime & Coastguard Agency advising people not to touch any ordnance found

A 200m safety cordon was set up and a controlled explosion carried out on a beach in Cleethorpes after the discovery of a World War II device at the weekend.

The spiggot mortar, which an RAF Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) confirmed still had explosive charge, was found by a member of the public just after 12pm on Saturday, April 28.

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency confirmed that the device was discovered on the beach after a clean-up at the Cleethorpes nature reserve.

Cleethorpes and Donna Nook Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to the area to investigate and the Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team was notified.

The ordnance was covered by high tide and on Sunday, April 29 when the tide was low the EOD team attended the scene and carried out a controlled detonation.

Photo: Cleethorpes Coastguard Facebook page

Photo: Cleethorpes Coastguard Facebook page

Photo: Cleethorpes Coastguard Facebook page

A spokesperson for the Maritime & Coastguard Agency said: “Remember that ordnance comes in many different shapes and sizes.

“If you see something suspicious, including pyrotechnic or marine flares, don’t touch them, pick them up or take them home.

“Leave it where it is, take photos or make notes about its size, what it looks like and where it is so the experts can decide if it’s safe or not. Then call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. We’ll be able to help dispose of the item safely.”

Photo: Cleethorpes Coastguard Facebook page

Cleethorpes Coastguard HM, Coastguard Donna Nook Rescue Team and Cleethorpes Beach safety teams put on a 200 metre safety cordon, while the EOD destroyed the mortar to make it safe.

A post on the Cleethorpes Coastguard Facebook page advises that ‘these mortars have been found on the beach several times over the years” and “even after all these years they can still be extremely dangerous”.