Bomb squad detonates flare on beach

Bomb disposal experts detonated a flare on a beach in Thurlestone, in an explosion that was felt in the next village. 

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called to Leas Foot Beach, Thurlestone, this evening, Monday, 20 March, after a phosphorus flare washed up. 

An explosion was heard just before 9pm. 

Harry Durant found the flare this afternoon. He said: "I found it today when I was walking my dog. It was right on the tide line and getting rolled around by the waves. I saw it and it definitely looked military so I didn’t get too close but managed to get a picture so I could read it.

"It said military/ police and said that it contained phosphorus. So I called the Coastguard and managed to email them the pictures and gave them a what three words address."

Harry Durant 

Prawle and Bigbury Coastguard Rescue Teams were on site. 

We will update this story as soon as we know more. 

The standard advice if you come across something suspicious or unusual on the beach, or along the coast, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard - don't touch it.