Beachgoers have been urged not to touch suspicious objects after unexploded Second World War ordnance containing live explosives was discovered on a beach in East Lothian.
Dunbar Coastguard issued the warning after an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team carried out a series of controlled explosions at Belhaven Beach to safely destroy the device on Thursday.
The coastguard said the corroded ordnance, believed to date from the Second World War, still contained high explosive material despite its age and appearance.
Posting on social media, the team warned that unexploded ordnance is occasionally washed ashore or uncovered on beaches around Dunbar, often after storms or high tides.
The Coastguard team said that these can contain “high explosive material”, adding: “Whilst it may look harmless, please be advised there is a significant likelihood that it could still present a danger.”
The Coastguard added that anyone spotting an object of an unusual size or shape on the beach should assume it could be unexploded ordnance and keep well away.
The post said: “If you see any unusual objects uncovered on the beach, especially after storms or high tides, call 999 and ask for Coastguard.
“We will then task the appropriate agencies to respond. Do not attempt to touch or move any items.”
View 2 ImagesUnexploded ordnance found on Belhaven Beach(Image: Coastguard)
Photographs shared by Dunbar Coastguard show the heavily corroded munition recovered from Belhaven Beach before it was destroyed by Army specialists.
The team said it regularly receives reports of wartime ordnance being uncovered along the East Lothian coastline, with many items believed to date back to the Second World War.
Coastguard officers are reminding members of the public that even badly rusted munitions can remain highly dangerous decades after they were first buried or discarded.
Anyone who discovers a suspicious object on a beach is advised not to touch or move it, to keep others away from the area and to call 999, asking for the Coastguard, so the appropriate emergency services can assess the risk and arrange for its safe disposal.
The Coastguard has been contacted for comment.
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