Bomb squad detonates unexploded military device on Fylde Coast beach
“A 100m cordon was put in place and houses within the cordon were evacuated as a precaution.”
An unexploded device found in a loft was detonated in a controlled explosion on the beach.
Police were called yesterday afternoon to Weeton Avenue in St Annes to a reports that unexploded ordnance had been found in the loft of a house.
Roads were cordoned off and residents in surrounding houses were told to evacuate as a precaution.
The ordnance - a military device - is believed to date back several years.
A police spokesperson said: “A 100m cordon was put in place and houses within the cordon were evacuated as a precaution.
“Thankfully a relatively short turnaround, with Explosive Ordnance Disposal in attendance, they removed the mortar to the beach at St Annes and carried out a controlled detonation.
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“Lancashire County Council was in attendance to support displaced persons, however they were returned to their homes with limited disruption.”
A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "We were contacted by police just before half past five on Thursday afternoon regarding a device on Weeton Road in St Annes.
"We liaised with colleagues in Fylde Council, who attended the scene to support, and the immediate area was cordoned off as per standard procedure while the device was assessed and moved by bomb disposal teams.
"Residents were alerted and a small number were asked to temporarily vacate the area as a precaution.
"Our highways officers attended with sandbags as a precaution. However, given the low tide, the device was able to be safely detonated on the beach."