Mortar Found on Winterton Beach – Don’t Disturb UXO

A man uncovered a 2-inch mortar using a metal detector on the beach at Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk on Friday. He took it to the local coastguard station and asked whether he could take it home, although the on duty manager rightfully told him that the device could be dangerous and instead called the police. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team arrived to assess and remove the mortar from the station.

The coast just off Winterton was used as an air to sea practice firing range during WWII and military training is recorded taking place on the sand dunes onshore. As such, finds of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) are not a unique occurrence in the area as the local coastguard officer attested to:

“These things aren’t rare. This was a garrison here so you’re bound to find something and we’ll often get bullets and ammunition and barbed wire too.”

It is crucial that any suspicious item uncovered is left undisturbed and that the Police are informed to deal with the situation. Removing UXO without knowing its origin and condition is a hazardous exercise and should only be undertaken by qualified EOD personnel.

For more see: http://www.greatyarmouthmercury.co.uk/news/unexploded_bomb_discovered_by_metal_detector_on_winterton_beach_1_4148596