More unexploded ordinance found in Devon

Huw Oxburgh
Authored by Huw Oxburgh
Posted: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 - 20:33

More unexploded bombs have been unearthed on the South West coast today during post-storm clear ups ongoing throughout the region.

A device was found at Mount Batten Point in Turnchapel near Plymouth marking the third device found on Devon’s beaches this month.

The device was found at around 2.15pm on Tuesday (18 February) and reported to the police.

Police, HM Coast guard and bomb disposal experts attended the scene.

Bomb disposal experts have since removed the device for further investigation and safe detonation.

A seperate device  thought to date from the First World War has also been destroyed in a controlled explosion in Newquay.(Video)

Earlier this week, three devices thought to have been swept ashore or uncovered by the recent storms, have been reported in Devon, Somerset and Dorset last weekend.

Police have asked that people stay away from any suspicious objects found on the coast due to the possibility of more explosives being found.

Sgt Lee Henderson of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “The ferocious seas and weather are thought to be responsible for uncovering or washing up these shells and there is clearly the potential for further bad weather to unearth more.

“We are asking members of the public when out walking to be mindful that these devices are potentially still very dangerous and not to approach or touch them but to call police immediately on 999.”

One device found at Crow Point Beach in north Devon on Sunday is thought to be an illumination mortar which was washed up by stormy seas.

Police cordoned the device off after being called at around 2.30pm on Sunday and the MOD were called. The Navy bomb disposal team removed the device on Monday.

Earlier this month, storm clear-up in Exmouth was halted when an unexploded smoke grenade was found on the beach front.

A 60m safe zone was established by officers from the Royal Navy’s Southern Diving Unit One while they investigated the device.

The grenade was confirmed to be a military style smoke grenade likely used for training exercises and was taken away for further investigation and detonation.

The rise in reports of unexploded ordinances has been seen across areas hit by the recent storms

WW1 bomb detonation Newquay

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