UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Bomb disposal experts have been tasked to the Island today (Tuesday) following the discovery of a suspicious object on a South Wight beach.
An area of the beach in Ventnor has been cordoned off by Police after an object, believed to be an explosive, was discovered to be partially underwater.
UPDATE @ 10:25 – A Royal Navy spokesperson has confirmed to Island Echo that disposal experts from Portsmouth are waiting for low tide later this afternoon before attending the incident.
UPDATE @ 11:55 – Solent Coastguard has confirmed to Island Echo that the object was discovered at around 16:15 yesterday afternoon (Monday).
Ventnor Coastguard Rescue was deployed to the scene, near to the Spyglass Inn pub, however, due to the fading light and description of the object, the Royal Navy Bomb Disposal team have delayed their deployment to the Island to match low tide and workable daylight.
It is now expected that Coastguard teams and the bomb disposal experts will return to the beach later on today, when the object will be examined and if necessary, safely disposed of.
UPDATE @ 14:50 – Royal Navy Bomb Disposal experts have this afternoon donned wet suits and have entered the water at Ventnor to inspect the item.
After assessing the unknown suspicious object, it has been discovered that is in fact a piece of scrap metal, which has been removed and taken away by Brighstone Landscaping.
A cordon on the beach has also been removed and emergency services have left the scene.
This incident comes just a week after another bomb scare in the town, which turned out to be a rock. On the same day, a 2-inch mortar was found in Freshwater bay.
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