Bridlington's South Beach has been partially cordoned off after a second suspected explosive device was discovered, prompting the deployment of a specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team. The discovery has led to safety warnings for the public, with authorities urging individuals to avoid the immediate area while the device is assessed and made safe.
The incident follows a similar discovery in recent times, raising questions about the origin and frequency of such items appearing on the East Yorkshire coastline. While details regarding the specific nature of the device remain unconfirmed, the presence of an EOD team indicates a serious potential threat, necessitating expert handling.
Local emergency services, including Humberside Police and the Coastguard, are on site assisting with the operation and maintaining the safety perimeter. The priority is the safe removal or controlled detonation of the object to ensure no risk to beach users or local residents. The public is reminded of the '3 Cs' advice should they encounter suspicious items on beaches: 'Call, Cordon, Control' – meaning to call emergency services, cordon off the area if safe to do so, and await professional control.
The discovery of unexploded ordnance on UK beaches is not uncommon, often attributed to historical military activity, particularly from World War I and World War II. Tides and coastal erosion can uncover devices that have lain dormant for decades, bringing them to the surface. Beachcombers and dog walkers are frequently the first to report such findings.
While the immediate disruption is localised to a section of South Beach, the incident serves as a crucial reminder for anyone visiting coastal areas to remain vigilant. Authorities will likely conduct further checks in the vicinity once the current device is dealt with to ensure no other items pose a risk.