Medmerry Beach in Sussex beach cordoned off after explosives found

A bomb squad and a coastguard team were called after suspicious objects were found on Medmerry Beach, near Chichester.

Crews from Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team attended the scene at lunchtime yesterday. They found several suspected explosives and set up a cordon on the beach.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (EOD) was called, attended and denotated the devices around five hours later.

A spokesperson for Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team said: "Photos were taken and sent to EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team).

Read more: Explosives found on closed Sussex beach full of 'hidden dangers'

"The beach was cordoned off until E.O.D arrived at the scene and carried out a controlled explosion around 5pm.

"With the safe detonation carried out the team were able to stand down and return to the station at 5.45pm."

Anyone who comes across anything suspicious or unusual along the coast is urged to phone 999 and ask for the coastguard straightaway.

"Ordnance comes in all different shapes and sizes and ordnance found on this beach in the past has been found to still be highly explosive," the spokesperson added.

"If you suspect you have found ordnance on the beach please don't touch it and call the coastguard straightaway.

"In an emergency out at sea, on the beach or along the coast dial and ask for the coastguard."

Medmerry Beach has been closed to the public for years. The coastguard previously said that this is due to its "many hidden dangers", which include explosives constantly washing up and having no safe access for the public.

They added at the time that more and more people were attempting to get to the beach, picking up suspected explosives and taking them home.

"These dead-looking objects are often highly explosive – do you really want it going off in your garden or house, risking your life and that of those you love," they said.

"Stay off Medmerry beach. It’s closed for a reason."