Suspected ordnance on beach - Leigh-on-Sea

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Suspected ordnance reports on Chalkwell Beach

Coastguard at work on Chalkwell Beach

Suspected ordnance reports on Chalkwell Beach 2

Coastguard at work on Chalkwell Beach

COASTGUARD officers and a bomb disposal team were called to Chalkwell Beach after reports of suspected ordnance.

Coastguard members and police officers arrived at the beach on Saturday, February 11 and a cordon was erected around the item, to prevent anyone coming into danger.

The incident necessitated the diversion of the Southend parkrun route, due to the cordon in place.

Once the Army EOD team arrived, an investigation of the suspect ordnance was begun, to determine its origin.

Eventually, the army EOD declared the item was safe and removed it for disposal.

A spokesman for HM Coastguard Southend said: “The team were requested to attend possible ordnance located approximately 500 metres from the beach at Chalkwell.

“Coastguard Officers met with the first informant who led the team to the suspected ordnance. The team then put a cordon in to prevent anyone coming into danger along with the assistance of Essex Police.

“Once the Army EOD team arrived, they began their investigation of the suspect ordnance to determine its origin before then declaring the item was safe and removing it for disposal.

“We would like to express our thanks to the public for their understanding and to the Park Run for their cooperation and assistance and moving their run to a different path whilst we were on scene.

“Many different types of unexploded military ordnance can and do wash up on the shore/offshore – it comes in different shapes and sizes and isn’t always easy to spot.

“Because of such ordnance, if found, it can be potentially 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. 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.

“Should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, don’t hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, you could save someone’s life.”

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