Police evacuated a beach in Devon after a suspected unexploded bomb washed ashore. The object appeared in Beer, a seaside village on the south coast, on Sunday afternoon. Witnesses, fearing it was an unexploded shell, reported it to the authorities.
Devon and Cornwall Police received a call at 4pm on 25 August about the suspected ordnance. Adrian Bamford from Weston-super-Mare discovered the object during a family camping holiday. While walking along the shoreline, his daughter stumbled upon the half-buried shell under the pebbles.
Bamford recounted that his eldest son moved the pebbles and recognised the object could be a weapon. Unaware of the danger, his son picked it up and noted its heavy weight. After realising it wasn’t empty, Bamford called 999 and awaited further instructions.
A Devon beach was evacuated after a suspected unexploded bomb washed ashore, police have said https://t.co/ZHkZvAdBEo
— Black Country Radio (@WeAreBCR) August 26, 2024
Martin Richards, chairman of Beer Parish Council, confirmed the beach was cordoned off and a nearby road was closed. Police and Coastguard members secured the area, ensuring no one approached the object. Two police cars and a full squad of coastguards were present at the scene.
Although the cordon has now been lifted, the HM Coastguard reported that an explosive ordnance disposal unit couldn’t access the object due to incoming tides. Rescue teams plan to return at low tide to reassess the situation.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed that a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called to Beer Beach at the request of Devon and Cornwall Police. Further queries were directed to the police.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Independent reports that a beach in Beer, Devon, was evacuated after a suspected unexploded bomb was discovered on Sunday, causing a significant security response and public concern.(read more)
- Devon and Cornwall Police and HM Coastguard report on the evacuation of a beach in Beer, Devon, after a suspected unexploded bomb was discovered, causing a cordon and road closure, before the device was swept back out to sea.(read more)
- Malvern Gazette reports a beach in Beer, east Devon, was evacuated after a suspected unexploded bomb washed ashore on Sunday, believed to be a shell by some witnesses.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened at Beer Beach in Devon?
A suspected unexploded bomb washed ashore, leading to an evacuation.
Who found the suspected bomb at Beer Beach?
Adrian Bamford’s family discovered the object while on a camping holiday.
What did the authorities do after the suspected bomb was found?
The beach was cordoned off, and a nearby road was closed by police and Coastguard.
Was the bomb at Beer Beach confirmed to be live?
Authorities could not confirm as the explosive ordnance disposal unit couldn’t access it due to tides.
Who is responsible for handling the situation at Beer Beach?
A Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called by Devon and Cornwall Police.