SEVEN unexploded second world war devices were destroyed in a controlled explosion on the Westcliff coastline at 9.45am this morning.

Experts from the Southern Diving Unit's Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team detonated the devices on the shoreline at the end of Cobham Road. 

The team, based in Portsmouth, travelled to Westcliff last night after the coastguard received reports of the devices, believed to include unexploded shells, were received yesterday.

They met with the Thames Coastguard this morning, who escorted them to the devices before clearing the surrounding area for the controlled explosion to be carried out.

A statement from the coastguard said: “It was down to the recent tidal action and prevailing weather.
“Now and again these things do get uncovered.”

The police were informed in advance by the coastguard but played no role in the operation.