Unexploded bomb uncovered on Devon beach

An unexploded device was detonated after being found on a beach in Devon. The ordnance was found on Slapton Beach just before 1pm today (Monday, November 25), where it was set off in a controlled explosion by the Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD).

Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to the scene alongside the EOD, after a possible ordnance sighting was reported. The EOD confirmed it was an explosive and the device was detonated in a controlled explosion just after 5pm today.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard received a call reporting possible ordnance at Slapton Beach just after 12:50 this afternoon (25 Nov).

"Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Team was sent along with the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit. The item was confirmed as ordnance by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit who carried out a controlled detonation shortly before 5pm."

According to the coastguard, it is common for unexploded bombs to be found on beached following bouts of extreme weather, such as that scene this weekend. "Big tides, strong winds and waves can often wash up long-buried ordnance (explosives) on our beaches or uncover it," the service's website explains.

If found, there are a number of steps to take to avoid unnecessary risks:

• Be more vigilant around objects of an unusual size or shape following bad weather.
• Never touch or move anything that could be ordnance.
• If it’s safe, take a note of the object’s location and what it looks like.
• Move away, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.