Dozens of WW2 phosphorus devices found at beach

Dozens of what police believe to be phosphorus-based devices used in WW2 have been found at a beach.

Cleveland Police said a quantity of suspected WW2 ordnance was discovered and had been set alight, leaving one person with minor burns, as crews were called to Crimdon Dene beach, near Hartlepool, on Tuesday morning.

Controlled explosions to dispose of the devices - believed to be SIPs (self-igniting phosphorus) explosives - were carried out on the sand.

The force urged people to stay away from the beach, with a cordon in place while police and the bomb squad check the area.

Hartlepool Coastguard Rescue Team said "while it is very rare to find unexploded ordnance on a visit to the beach, bad weather and high tides can expose these objects".

"Our shores are filled with history, but remnants from the past can still sometimes wash up on our shores today," it said.

The team also said it was "important important to be cautious, as ordnance comes in all shapes and sizes" and advised anyone who came across any unusual items not to touch or move them and call 999.