Southend seafront has been shut after a piece of unexploded bomb was found.

Police have put up a large cordon outside the Genting Casino in Western Esplanade this morning.

Traffic is being turned around and diverted and officers say explosive experts have been called in after the item was found on the beach.

A spokesman for Essex Police - Southend District said: "We were called to a report of a piece of unexploded ordnance found on the beach off Western Esplanade, Southend, shortly before 5am this morning.

"Military explosive experts have been called to assess the item.

"A large cordon has been put in place purely as a precaution and Western Esplanade is currently closed between Genting Casino and Adventure Island. We will provide an update as soon as we practically can."