Bomb Scare at The Needles After WWII Shell Found on Beach
A popular Isle of Wight hotspot was evacuated yesterday after a visitor discovered a live World War Two shell on the beach. The shocking find sparked a major emergency response at The Needles landmark in Alum Bay.
Visitor Spots Live Ordnance, Rings Alarm
At around 2.30pm, a member of the public found a 3-inch shell washed up along the shoreline. Staff at The Needles quickly acted, alerting the UK Coastguard and police. A 200-metre safety cordon was immediately set up, sending visitors and workers scrambling to safe ground.
Royal Navy Bomb Disposal Team Moves In
Experts from the Royal Navy bomb disposal unit in portsmouth/" title="Portsmouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Portsmouth arrived shortly after to deal with the explosive device. After carefully removing the shell, the area was declared safe just before 8pm, allowing The Needles to reopen.
Official Statements
“A member of the public found what appeared to be a shell casing on the beach at Alum Bay,” said a Needles spokesman. “Staff acted immediately and called the coastguard. The site closed while Royal Navy bomb disposal experts safely removed the device, believed to be from World War Two. The Needles is now fully open for business again.”
A UK Coastguard spokesperson added: “Thanks to The Needles staff for their cooperation. We remind everyone not to touch any suspicious objects along the coastline. Always report them to the coastguard by calling 999.”
The explosive discovery serves as a stark reminder of Britain’s wartime past still lurking beneath the sands.
