Historic bomb exploded on beach
HUNDREDS of people were turned away and 20 fines handed out as visitors descended on Formby beach last weekend.
People from as far as Leeds, Stockport and Manchester were among those to receive a £200 penalty for breaching Covid restrictions as they flocked to the coast.
Officers from Merseyside Police also turned away more than 100 cars from the area as residents reported a return to the litter and anti-social parking problems experienced throughout last summer.
Community Policing Superintendent Graeme Robson said that the good weather had resulted in a large increase in people travelling to the breach and warned that increased patrols will be deployed again in the coming weeks.
He said: “This is unacceptable and shows a complete disregard for the government guidance, which is in place to protect not only ourselves but others around us.
“To flagrantly flout the rules in this way is not only reckless and irresponsible, but can result in a substantial fine, as seen today.
“Now more than ever people should be taking heed of the advice, so that infection rates can continue to drop, and we can meet the criteria necessary for easing lockdown in the upcoming weeks and months.
“We will take enforcement action where people refuse to follow restrictions. Current guidance states only travel for essential reasons, and you must remain local.”
A CONTROLLED explosion was carried out after an historic bomb was found on Formby beach.
The explosive, described by police as an ordance device, was discovered by a member of the public on Thursday evening.
The find sparked an emergency response involving the police, the Royal Navy and lifeguards from HM Coastguard and Southport Lifeboat.
Officers closed off Victoria Road in Formby, while beaches along the coast through
Ainsdale and Southport were also blocked off to the public as a controlled detonation was carried out by the police’s Explosive Ordnance Team at around 11.30am the following day.
The detonation, carried out in the waters around the Sefton coastline, caused waves to shoot up into the air as residents in the area heard a loud bang.
A police spokesman said: “We would like to thank the community for their patience while we deal with the incident.”