Bombs at Southend beaches can be 'exposed by winter weather'

Changeable weather can reveal more unexploded ordnance, the coastguard has said

Wintery weather can lead to an increase in unexploded bombs being found along beaches in south Essex, a coastguard officer has said.

Bombs and shells from World War One and World War Two are often discovered along the Thames Estuary.

Del Christie, deputy station officer at HM Coastguard in Southend-on-Sea, said the changeable weather meant "mudflats are forever changing".

He said the team received 10 to 20 callouts a year for unexploded bombs.

"People need to be extra vigilant at this time of year," said Mr Christie, speaking to the BBC.

"The constant changing weather conditions and storms that we have, as well as strong easterly winds, means that the sands and mudflats are forever changing.

"That, along with two tides a day, can unearth ordnance.

"My advice is not to touch it, retreat away from it, call 999 and ask for the coastguard."

There has been a military presence in Shoeburyness for more than 150 years

The River Thames was used as a navigational tool for enemy aircraft during the wars. The coastline was lined with anti-aircraft positions and the area was heavily bombed.

There has been a Ministry of Defence base and testing range at nearby Shoeburyness for more than 150 years.

Mr Christie says he has personally been to more than 60 callouts for unexploded ordnance in the six years he has worked for the coastguard in Southend.

"It's not always easily identified, it doesn't always look how you think it's going to look," he said.

"You just follow what you've been taught and be extremely mindful, treat it with respect."

Del Christie says he has been to more than 60 callouts for unexploded ordnance in six years

Mr Christie says the condition of unexploded items will deteriorate over time, which makes them harder to identify.

"Once it has been there for a number of years, barnacles, sea creatures, crustaceans etc attach themselves to it," Mr Christie says.

"When these items become unearthed, they never look anything like what they did when they first landed.

He added: "Better to be safe than sorry, 100%."