Explosion on Hayling Beach

- Thu 14th Jul 2005

Police, Coastguard and Royal Navy Bomb disposal experts were called to Hayling Beach today after an explosive device was reported to be washed up on the beach.

The device, a smoke grenade, was found inside a kayak that had been found abandoned on the shore.  After inspecting the device local Coastguards notified the Police and bomb disposal team who shortly arrived on scene.

After inspecting the kayak and smoke grenade, the two-man Royal Navy bomb disposal team ordered the beach to be cleared of members of the public who had been enjoying the July sun and who were gathering to watch proceedings.  A controlled explosion was then carried out to render the device safe.

The kayak, which was found abandoned with a paddle nearby, will now be taken to the HBC Offices at Beachlands.  Further investigation is likely to centre of who the owner of the vessel is and as to why it was abandoned.

By forum user, Mat