THE bomb squad was called after an explosive was found on a beach.

They joined coastguard crews at the scene and a controlled explosion was carried out near the entrance to Pagham Harbour.

The Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team was called at 9am to reports of a piece of ordnance at Pagham.

The Argus: The search for the piece of ordnance at PaghamThe search for the piece of ordnance at Pagham

Teams and a sniffer dog were seen searching the pebbles for the explosive this morning.

The ordnance was located and photos were taken to send to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (E.O.D) for review.

Seeing the images, the E.O.D made its way to the scene and a controlled explosion was carried out on the beach, sending a plume of water, dust and debris shooting into the air.

The Argus:

Coastguard crews left the scene shortly before 3pm.

A spokesman for Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team said: "Ordnance comes in all shapes and sizes, and ordnance found on this beach has been found to be highly explosive.

"So, (if you find some) please do not touch it, and call the coastguard straight away."

The Argus: The bomb squad attended Pagham to carry out a controlled explosionThe bomb squad attended Pagham to carry out a controlled explosion

The service also issued a warning about using the beach and sea at this time of year.

The spokesman said: "The coast and the sea can catch you out whether you're local or not. 

"Our message remains; call 999 coastguard if you're in trouble."