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Explosion on beach after multiple items found

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A controlled explosion has been carried out after multiple pieces of ordnance were discovered on a beach.

The six pieces of unexploded ordnance were destroyed after being spotted on Medmerry Beach, between Selsey and East Wittering, on April 12.

Selsey Coastal Rescue Team were called to the area at approximately 2pm and cordoned off the shoreline.

Photographs of the six items were sent to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to assess.

Specialist officers then travelled to the scene to detonate the munitions safely.

The beach is well known for being linked to unexploded munitions (Image: Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team)

Parts of Medmerry Beach are closed to the public because unexploded ordnance is found there so often, with more than 60 pieces washing up on the shoreline in 2024 alone.

Last month, a bomb that was estimated to weigh around 250 lbs was discovered at the beach.

The shoreline has repeatedly been linked to wartime munitions because Selsey had a Second World War bombing range, and flooding has helped old explosives wash ashore.

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Authorities have urged the public to stay away from suspect objects, warning that historical devices can remain volatile.

A Coastguard spokesperson said: “Ordnance comes in all different shapes and sizes and ordnance found on this beach has been found to still be highly explosive.

“If you come across possible ordnance on the beach or along the coast dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard straight away and do not touch it.

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