A SUSPECTED of ordnance found on a beach in Looe has been safely destroyed in a controlled explosion.

The device was discovered at Hannafore Beach on Sunday (September 13), prompting a response from HM Coastguard.

The suspected ordnance was reported at around 2.35pm and remained at the beach until an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team arrived to deal with it.

A controlled explosion was carried out at around 2.30pm on Monday, September 14.

Looe and Polruan Coastguard Rescue Teams supported the operation by putting a cordon in place around the area while the EOD specialists carried out the disposal.

Footage from the scene shows the moment the device was detonated, with a large plume of black smoke rising from the beach. Seagulls can also be seen taking flight as the explosion takes place, while coastguard personnel and members of the public watched from a safe distance.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said the suspected ordnance had been “safely disposed of in a controlled explosion” by the EOD Team.