HM Coastguard Southend-on-sea issue warning as old WW2 ordnance found in Old Leigh

May 13, 2025

HM Coastguard Southend-on-sea issue warning as old WW2 ordnance found in Old Leigh.

HM Coastguard Southend co-ordinated a multi service response to suspected ordnance close to the public areas and businesses in old Leigh last week. A 100m cordon was put in place for public safety which did have a short impact on local businesses and members of the public. After initial investigations by the Army Explosive Team the ordnance was moved offshore where the three items were prepared for detonation and safely detonated with a controlled explosion.

HM Coastguard would like to remind the public that such items pose a risk however old they may be and can be very dangerous if handled inappropriately. If you find or see something suspicious on the beach or in the sea, do not touch it, move it or take it home. If you are unsure, let the experts decided if it is safe and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Unexploded ordnance is explosive ordnance which has been primed, fused, armed or prepared for action in conflict. It may have been buried, dropped, fired, launched or placed in such a manner that constitutes a hazard and remains unexploded either by design or malfunction. UXO can also refer to explosive ordnance that has been left behind or dumped after armed conflicts. UXO often contains unstable compounds which can become more sensitive over time.