However, bomb disposal officer Stuart Elliott quickly found that, on inspection, it was in fact an old marker buoy.
Mr Elliott was called to investigate the object, which was found at the foot of the sea wall near The Lookout Beach Café at around 2.30pm. He said that the police sealed off the area after being alerted by a member of the public.
‘The iron buoy was really old, had no markings or paint on it and had probably fallen off the back of a boat and been washed ashore. It looked over 20 years old and was partly covered in gooseneck barnacles. The item was confirmed safe and was removed, less the barnacles, from the beach to avoid further reports of a suspect item.’
He added: ‘Anything found that may be considered an unexploded ordnance should be left in its location and images should be obtained to aid identification. The police should be informed as soon as possible and they will take appropriate action. Stray ordnance can take many forms in regards to shape or construction and anything found which raises concern should be reported and under no circumstances be tampered with.
‘If it turns out to be something other than ordnance, such as an engine part, it will be classed as a false alarm with good intent. It is always better to be safe than sorry.’
