Beach sealed off for controlled explosion as ordnance found

The controlled blast at Medmerry (Photograph: Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team)

The Selsey Coastguard said at 4.55pm on Monday the team was called to reports of ordnance on the beach.

Photos were sent to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (E.O.D) and the beach was closed to the public.

A coastguard spokesman said: “A search of the beach by the team found more ordnance.

The coastguard team at Medmerry (Photograph: Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team)

“E.O.D arrived on scene, however due to the light it was agreed to meet E.O.D at first light.”

At 6am on Tuesday morning, the coastguard team met the E.O.D team at Medmerry beach and a controlled explosion was safely carried out at around 9am.

The beach was later reopened to the public once the area was made safe.

A coastguard spokesman said: “Ordnance comes in all different shapes and sizes, if you come across anything suspicious or unusual on the beach, please don’t touch it and dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard!

Coastguard and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (E.O.D) (Photograph: Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team)

“Ordnance found on this beach in the past has been found to still be highly explosive, so please do not touch it and call the Coastguard straight away.”

In an emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard.