Southend's coastguard team has issued a warning after a child picked up a 'suspected piece of ordnance'.

HM Coastguard Southend has reflected on a recent incident whereby a member of the public, believed to be a child, picked up a suspected piece of ordnance off Shoebury East Beach mudflats and brought it to the beach.

Fortunately, it turned out to be harmless, but the coastguard team wanted to remind the public of the potential dangers in Southend.

A spokesman said: “If your see something suspicious out on the mudflats or our beaches do not touch or remove it, make a note of its location and move away.

“Then, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard and let the experts decide what it is.

“Ordnance can get washed up or uncovered in our local area offshore or close to beaches due to the history of this area.

“The Southend and Thames Estuary area was often used by bomber aircraft in WWII as a dumping ground for their bomb loads during the war if their primary target was not possible.

“Also, coupled with a MOD base and testing range that has been based at Shoebury and Foulness for more than 150 years, all types of unexploded military ordnance can and does wash up on the shore/offshore – it comes in different shapes and sizes and isn’t always easy to spot.

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

“Let the experts decide if it is safe. Move to a safe space and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard so our teams can investigate.”