Concern after families seen on MoD firing range

MoD Shoeburyness is about five miles (8km) away from Southend-on-Sea in Essex

Authorities have reported a rise in the number of families, some with young children, trespassing on a Ministry of Defence (MoD) firing range.

Southend-on-Sea Coastguard said it had seen children digging in the mudflats by Shoeburyness Range, Essex – as well as "bait diggers, metal detectors and unlicensed oyster pickers".

QinetiQ, the contractor which runs the site, said there was an "inherent risk of unexploded objects".

It said it would use an amphibious vehicle to patrol the area in the coming weeks.

An amphibious vehicle will patrol the beach around MOD Shoeburyness

"Anyone encountered by our patrols will be asked to leave," the company said in a post on X.

"Please co-operate for your safety. Fines are applicable."

QinetiQ said the rise in trespassing had occurred during the summer months.

It warned that the MoD foreshore between Shoeburyness Common and East Beach was prohibited to the public.

MoD Shoeburyness has been a weapons testing site for more than 170 years.

It covers 9,300 acres (3,763 hectare) and employs about 300 people.

Each day, reports are published online warning of either gunfire or explosions in the area.

Warning signs are attached to boundary fences and sea walls

In a post on Facebook, HM Coastguard Southend, said: "Southend Coastguard has been observing increasing levels of families with small children entering the prohibited MoD beaches opposite our Coastguard station and allowing their children to dig amongst the mudflats post walking past the numerous warning signs at the West Slipway end of Ness Road and on the seawalls.

"HM Coastguard has ‘no’ jurisdiction for any enforcement as this is MoD property but we do actively attend incidents on MoD beaches mainly for suspected ordnance.

"MoD bylaws are there for the public's protection, the signage is very clear of the dangers and restrictions."

An MoD spokesperson said public safety was taken "very seriously".

"While the risk of encountering unexploded ordnance washed up along the coast remains low, the risk is increased when trespassing on MoD-owned land," they added.

"We ask the public to respect the signage and fencing that has been erected to keep them safe, and remind them that those caught trespassing may be subject to fines."