Bomb disposal experts, police and coastguards were today called to locate a possible Second World War ordnance at Orford Ness.

East Anglian Daily Times: Emergency services at the scene at Orford Ness, where a possible ordnance is being located Picture: CARL@CWHMEDIAEmergency services at the scene at Orford Ness, where a possible ordnance is being located Picture: CARL@CWHMEDIA (Image: Archant)

A bomb disposal team from Colchester Troop, 621 Squadron, 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment Royal Logistic Corps was called to the scene.

The alarm had been raised after a member of the public saw a suspected item of munitions on the shoreline. The item could not be found after a search of the area by the team, supported by Suffolk Police and the coastguard.

An Army spokesman said: “We would encourage the public to raise the alarm if they do have concerns about any suspect items they find and not to touch them. It is better to be safe than sorry.”

Earlier, a spokesman for Humber Coastguard said the ordnance was believed to be aged and rusty, so it may have dated from the Second World War.

He added: “This is something that we deal with all the time.”

A Suffolk police spokesman said: “Police attended Shingle Street at Orford Ness following a report of a possible ordnance on the shoreline.

“Following a search of the area with the bomb disposal team and the coastguard, the device was not located.”

Acting Sgt Luke Turner said: “Members of the public are reminded that they should contact police immediately to report any suspicious devices found on the shoreline, and should not pick up or move any items as they may cause serious injury.”

Local resident Carl Humphrey, who was at Orford Ness today, said he had seen a bomb disposal unit, two coastguard units and police all at the scene. He added most of the people there were summertime crabbers.