WW2 shell found by detectorist is detonated

Image source, HM Coastguard Canvey Island

Image caption, A metal detectorist found the unexploded device on mudflats near Canvey Point on Saturday
  • Author, Neve Gordon-Farleigh
  • Role, BBC News, Essex

A German naval artillery shell dating back to World War Two was detonated after being discovered by a metal detectorist.

HM Coastguard said the man found it on mud flats about one mile off Canvey Point in Essex on Saturday.

A spokesperson said the incoming tide and heavy fog meant bomb disposal experts could not detonate it until Sunday evening.

"The coastline and waters around Essex are littered with unexploded ordnance, often from World War Two," the coastguard said.

The coastguard said an RNLI lifeboat from Southend-on-Sea helped locate the area of the shell - as reported by the detectorist - on Sunday afternoon.

The Ministry of Defence sent bomb disposal experts from Colchester Barracks and the shell was detonated at about 19:15 BST.

The ordnance measured about 7.5cm (3in).

"The metal detectorist did the right thing, he didn't disturb the item further, made his way to a safe distance and called 999 asking for the coastguard."

Image source, HM Coastguard Canvey Island

Image caption, The device - found to be a German World War Two naval artillery shell - was detonated on Sunday
Get in touch

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex?

Contact form

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story