BOMB disposal experts were called this afternoon to a smoking metallic device at the side of the road in Walberswick.

BOMB disposal experts have carried out a controlled explosion destroying a smoking metallic device discovered in Walberswick this afternoon.

Police and the fire service were originally called to The Street in Walberswick just before 1pm to reports of a suspected heath fire.

When the emergency services arrived, they discovered a two-foot long metallic object smoking by the side of the road which was identified as a phosphorous flare.

A 600m cordon was put in place and the B1837 road between Walberswick and Blythburgh was closed to traffic in order to keep residents safe.

A spokesman for Suffolk fire service said: “The fire service was called initially to a heath fire and attended, but then found a metallic item which was suspected to be explosive so they contacted the police and then the bomb disposal squad.

“They are now looking at the best means of disposing of the item.”

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said the controlled explosion has been carried out and the device has been successfully destroyed.

Emergency services are working to clear the site and it is hoped the road will reopen in the next half an hour.