Police are clearing people off a popular beach in Merseyside after explosives were discovered.
Ainsdale Beach, which is popular with kite surfers, has been closed following the discovery of “wartime ordinance” according to local authorities.
In a Tweet Sefton council said that emergency services were currently shepherding beachgoers to safety following the report of a possible explosive.
“Police are currently evacuating Ainsdale Beach due to the discovery of wartime ordinance. We are asking people to avoid the area while emergency services deal with the incident. Shore Road has been closed.”
An eyewitness in the area has told the Liverpool Echo that part of the beach has been cordoned off by police. The size cordoned-off area is reportedly about the size of a football pitch and to the left hand side of the beach facing the sea.
Reports at the scene from an eyewitess say that three police officers appear to be digging round a hole at the centre of the cordon. Another officer has been seen carrying a metal detector.
The council said the decision to evacuate the beach came after the wartime device was discovered on the beach this morning.
“The suspected ordinance was discovered this morning and emergency services were immediately alerted,” they added.
“A decision has been made to close Ainsdale Beach temporarily.
“Shore Road will remain closed and we ask everyone to avoid the area until further notice”
Merseyside police has confirmed the force has deployed small scale response in the area and that further enquiries being made.
Cars are still being allowed onto the beach but are being urged to stick to the right hand side, according to people at the scene.
The decision had been taken in order to ensure the health and safety of beachgoers, the council said.
“People may ask why a decision has been taken to ask visitors to leave the Ainsdale Beach area today”, they explained.
“Health and safety of our beachgoers is our utmost priority and an evacuation has taken place as a precautionary measure.”
