Dangerous chemical found on beach

The can of phosphorus was found during a regular tidying session at Rottingdean beach yesterday.

Concerned volunteers called the police and were told the Army's explosive ordnance experts would have to be called to deal with the harmful chemical.

Phosphorus is often used for naval flares - but the chemical burns at almost 900c and can tear through human flesh and putting water on the burns only makes it worse.

Photographer Michael O'Rourk, who was taking part in the volunteer clean up said: "A woman found it and took some pictures on her phone. Then I went to have a look and keep everyone away.

"It looks like it's some kind of Naval flare.

"It doesn't look like it has been discharged so may still have explosive properties and be a real danger on the beach.

"I called the police immediately and they came and cordoned it off until the explosive ordnance people could get there and remove it.

"Phosphorus can be pretty dangerous. It burns body fat so you essentially spontaneously combust if you come into contact with it.

"I didn't wait around because I had my children with me."

"Hopefully this is a one-off but is could have caused a really serious accident is a child or dog had got hold of it.

Malcolm Cook, who was also taking part in the beach clean organised by the Deans Beach and Environment Volunteers, added: "If it's a white phosphorus munition it is highly deadly, the concern of course is that it isn't just the one and there maybe any number more sitting on Brighton's beaches."

Rottingdean councillor Mary Mears said: "I think this is most worrying especially as we don't know where it came from or if there are any more.

"I shall be making enquiries to find out how this has happened as it is very serious and had the potential to cause such serious harm.

"It is good that someone who knew how serious it was was there when they found it, because something this contaminating could be very dangerous."