Undefined Explosive Device (UED) event in Essex, Chalkwell area, United Kingdom on Sun 12th February 2023

COASTGUARD officers and a bomb disposal team were called to Southend yesterday after reports of suspected ordnance. On arrival the coastguard team put a cordon around the suspected ordnance to prevent anyone coming into danger along with the assistance of Essex Police. Once the army EOD team arrived, they began their investigation of the suspect ordnance to determine its origin. It also caused the Southend parkrun route to be changed due to the cordon in place. Eventually, the army EOD declared the item was safe and removed it for disposal. A spokesman for HM Coastguard Southend said: ÒThe team were requested to attend possible ordnance located approximately 500 metres from the beach at Chalkwell. ÒCoastguard Officers met with the first informant who led the team to the suspected ordnance. The team then put a cordon in to prevent anyone coming into danger along with the assistance of Essex Police. ÒOnce the Army EOD team arrived, they began their investigation of the suspect ordnance to determine its origin before then declaring the item was safe and removing it for disposal. ÒWe would like to express our thanks to the public for their understanding and to the Park Run for their cooperation and assistance and moving their run to a different path whilst we were on scene. ÒMany different types of unexploded military ordnance can and does wash up on the shore/offshore Ð it comes in different shapes and sizes and isnÕt always easy to spot. Because of such ordnance, if found, it can be potentially dangerous, if you ever see something Òsuspicious or out of the ordinary on the beach or in the sea, do not touch it, move it or take it home, Let the experts decide if it is safe. ÒMove to a safe space and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard so our teams can investigate. ÒShould you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, donÕt hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, you could save someoneÕs life.Ó