A CONTROLLED explosion was needed to dispose of a ‘suspicious item’ that had appeared on a beach south of Seascale.

Millom Coastguard Rescue Team and Belfast Coastguard were called to the beach on Wednesday evening at around 7.53pm, where they later took photographs and sent a description of the ordnance to a bomb disposal team.

The device was later x-rayed and deemed to be live by the attending army team from Catterick, who later held a controlled explosion at around 3.30am on Thursday morning.

Officers from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary also attended and assisted with the demolition.

A statement from Millom Coastguard Rescue Team said: “Ordnance comes in all shapes and sizes.

“It's not always obvious what it is, so if you see anything suspicious, or something that looks out of place, leave it where it is.

“Call 999 and ask for Coastguard. Give us its location and a brief description and we will do the rest. Stay safe.”