The Coastguard was called out after part of an old mortar shell was found in dunes in the north of the island .

In their first call-out of 2019. volunteers from Ramsey Coastguard were sent out to locate the ordnance which had been spotted behind the beach at Smeale by a member of the public.

The call-out came at 2pm on Wednesday (January 2).

Once at the scene, the Coastguard team sent photos of the find to the Ministry of Defence in the UK for verification and advice on how to proceed.

The object appeared to be the tail fin of a 12 inch mortar.

Rescue team manager Kevin Scott said it was established that the device had detonated when the round had been fired so there was no explosive material left.

But there were concerns that the percussion cap at the end of the tail fin might still be active and there was a risk it could burn.

At 3.30pm it was deemed safe for the crew to handle and move the object for storage until it is disposed of safely.

Mr Scott said: ’The area was used as a training ground during the war and many mortar rounds were fired off. We come across one or two ever year.

’If members of the public find anything suspicious while walking the coast, they should dial 999 and call the Coastguard.’