A WW2-era mortar was safely detonated by a specialist bomb disposal team at Jacob's Ladder Beach in Sidmouth yesterday afternoon (Monday 25 July).

A member of the public initially reported the object and took photos, and the Beer HM Coastguard Rescue Team was called out to set up a cordon around it.

A bomb disposal team from Plymouth was then immediately dispatched to the scene. When they arrived, they confirmed that it was a World War Two-era 'spigot mortar'.

Attaching a charge, the team moved the mortar out to deeper water to detonate it.

Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat and its lifeguards were also tasked to help the HM Coastguard team ensure that no-one came into the area from the sea.

The mortar was then detonated successfully. HM Coastguard has thanked those on the beach for their cooperation and understanding.