AN old naval shell uncovered by the storms on the beach at Norman's Bay, Pevensey, was blown up by Royal Navy bomb disposal experts yesterday.

Contractors working for the Environment Agency uncovered the four-inch shell hidden in the shingle as they worked on local sea defences.

The shell was close to houses, so a Navy bomb disposal team from Portsmouth moved it half-a-mile up the beach before making it safe with a controlled explosion at about 1.45pm.

The area around the shell was cordoned off.

Local people watching the blast said the shell was the latest of about 12 or 14 to be found on the same stretch of beach.

Some are thought to be shells from an old artillery range in the area, while others may have been in shingle used for sea defences which is dredged near the Isle of Wight from the site of an old naval firing area.

The Environment Agency said the shell was probably washed ashore in the storm.

A spokesman added: "Our only advice would be if anyone sees anything suspicious to keep away and call the police."

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