A TEAM of Colchester explosive ordnance disposal experts (EOD) were called to Southend after the coastguard implemented a 100-metre cordon for the "public's safety".

An EOD team travelled from Colchester's Merville Barracks to Southend Beach after being contacted by the coastguard yesterday.

The HM Coastguard Southend had attended Southend Beach after receiving reports of “suspected ordnance” on the beach at Marine Parade, yesterday.

Upon investigating the area, taking photos, measurements, and location coordinates, the details were sent to the Dover Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and the EOD team for review.

Concerns were high enough from the Army EOD team that it was requested the coastguard implement a 100-metre cordon on the beach and promenade.

Essex Police also attended the incident to support the HM Coastguard, EOD team, and manage the cordon.

Area - Southend seafrontArea - Southend seafront

After the EOD team were able examine the item, it was deemed not ordnance, and the cordon was immediately lifted.

A spokesman from the HM Coastguard Southend has thanked to the public during the incident.

They said: “We would like to thank our local community, visitors to the beach and local businesses for their cooperation whilst the cordon was in place and to Essex Police for their assistance.”

According to The HM Coastguard, the Southend and Thames Estuary area was often used by bomber aircraft in World War I, and anti-aircraft sites were placed along the coastline.

So, it can be common for “all types of unexploded military ordnance” to wash up on shore, “in different shapes and sizes, and it isn’t always easy to spot”.

As these items can be dangerous, if you see something “out of the ordinary on the beach or in the sea”, do not touch it, move it, or take it home.

It is advised you move to a safe space and call 999 and ask for the HM Coastguard.