Hand grenade destroyed on Exmouth beach

The Royal Navy's bomb disposal team destroyed a hand grenade on Exmouth beach this morning (Monday 17 July) at around 5am near Orcombe Point.

A 999 call on Sunday night alerted HM Coastguard to the grenade, which it said was "most likely washed up or uncovered in the recent stormy weather".

The road was closed and the bomb disposal team safely detonated it early this morning after moving it "a very short distance" further down the beach.

An HM Coastguard spokesperson said: "Team page at 10.30pm last night following a 999 call to the Coastguard.

"Tasked to a hand grenade on the beach. Most likely washed up or uncovered in the recent stormy weather. Road closed and cordon in place.

"The grenade was viable and unstable. Decision made to move it a very short distance further down the beach by the Royal Navy bomb disposal team.

"Disposed of by detonation at 5am."