POLICE were called to Bournemouth beach on Friday morning over reports of a "suspicious item" being buried in the sand.

Witnesses reported seeing officers near Boscombe Pier before 8am.

Following searches of the scene, police recovered the item, which proved to be a gas powered BB gun.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "We were called at 7.44am on Friday, July 31, to reports that three people had buried a suspicious item in the sand near to Boscombe Pier.

"Officers attended the area and recovered the item. The call was made in good faith, however the item was identified as a gas powered BB gun, which is not illegal to possess, and has been retained by officers.

"Enquiries are underway to identify the individuals involved. No arrests have been made."