Anti-tank mines found on beach

MARITIME and Coastguard Agency have issued a warning after three anti-tank mines dating back to World War II were washed up on a beach last week.

Prawle Point Coastguard Rescue Team were called to Slapton Sands after a member of the public discovered a “possible ordnance”.

The Royal Navy Bomb Disposal unit was also called after being shown a photograph of the device. The Coastguard team conducted a “hasty” search of the surrounding area of the beach and discovered a further two suspicious objects. It was confirmed by the Royal Navy

Bomb Disposal team that all three items were, in fact, WWII anti-tank mines.

The mines were safely exploded in situ on the beach and the road to the beach was temporarily closed as a result.

The agency reminded all beachgoers to take care, especially after stormy weather. A coastguard Facebook post warned: “Prawle Point Coastguard Rescue Team took this image at Slapton Sands earlier this week ....

“You should always take extra care – military ordnance comes in different shapes and sizes and isn’t always easy to spot.” The agency post added: “It’s common to find all types of objects after storms like Storm Christoph - our coastguard teams have been called out a few times around the coast to investigate reports of suspicious or out of the ordinary objects this week.

“Most are harmless, but as well as unexploded military ordnance, military flares and discarded marine flares can wash up on the shore too. Because these items can be so dangerous, please be careful. If you’re unsure about an object, do not touch it, move it or take it home.”