AN ARMY explosives team detonated a shell in Poole this morning.

A team from the Southern Diving Unit, based in Portsmouth, were called after the four-inch device washed up near CEMEX UK Materials in New Quay Road last night.

 

 

A cordon was put in place before the device was exploded shortly before 8.30am. Those working in the area were briefly evacuated to allow the shell to be cleared.

A spokesperson from the Army said: “A four-inch Navy shell dredged up yesterday. The Southern Diving Unit from Portsmouth attended this morning and destroyed it on site. This was completed by 8.30am.”

Mark Thompson of Poole Coastguard, based close to the site where the shell was found, said the cordon around the area was extended before the device was blown up.

Shortly afterwards, Sydenhams in Poole was closed and the EOD called after the discovery of a possible unexploded shell - but it turned out to be a large pipe.