Hand Grenade Found On Harwich Beach

18 August 2014, 07:12

People in Harwich are being urged to be on their guard after a wartime hand grenade washed up on the beach there for the fifth time in five weeks.

Explosive experts were called yesterday after someone was seen throwing it around for a dog to chase on the shoreline at Marine Parade.

A 30-yard cordon was put in place around the grenade and it was later taken away by Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers.

A similar grenade was found on Saturday on the beach near West End Lane and The Promenade, and three were found near Lower Marine Parade on Saturday, July 12.

Insp Paul Butcher said: "It would appear that the grenades might have been in a crate that ended up in the sea during the Second World War. That crate might be breaking up or has been disturbed by dredging in the port and has resulted in these five devices being washed ashore along the same stretch of beach.

"We are asking people to be vigilant if visiting this beach and to dial 999 if they find any of these devices. Some of them have been covered in barnacles but the one yesterday looked almost as new despite being in the sea, possibly for many years.

"Anyone who finds a grenade should not touch it or move it but should call police immediately."