Public asked to avoid beach over 'WW2 grenades'

People are still being asked to avoid a beach after about 150 suspected phosphorus-based grenades from World War Two were found.

Cleveland Police was called to Crimdon Dene beach, near Hartlepool, on Tuesday morning, where one person was left with minor burns after touching the self-igniting ordnance.

Controlled explosions to dispose of them were later carried out, but Hartlepool Borough Council said residents and visitors should continue to stay clear while specialist teams work to clear the area.

The footpath closest to the area will remain blocked off until the clean up has been completed, but others which bypass the area remain open.

The Army said its experts found more than 150 self-igniting phosphorus (SIPs) grenades, which were designed to light on contact with the air and produce a flame.

They were WW2 weapons used by the British Home Guard as anti-tank devices.

The Army added there was an extreme risk of severe burns or serious injury if handled incorrectly and advised people to report any suspected SIP grenades they found to the police immediately.

The local authority thanked the public for its "patience and co-operation".

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