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VIDEO: Shock discovery sparks WWII beach bomb detonation

VIDEO: Shock discovery sparks WWII beach bomb detonation

Thursday 19 October 2017

VIDEO: Shock discovery sparks WWII beach bomb detonation

Thursday 19 October 2017


One islander took a huge risk by deciding to move a WWII mortar shell before a bomb disposal team arrived to safely blow up the device.

The member of the public found the live explosive on the beach at Pontac yesterday, and alerted the Police.

But before the Bomb Disposal Officer reached the scene, the dangerous shell was moved.

While the situation fortunately did not end in tragedy, it did prompt a strong warning from the Police.

“...Although done with good intention we would like to remind the public that should you ever come across any such device, please DON'T touch it and call us straight away.

Video: A bomb disposal expert carried out a controlled detonation at Pontac yesterday afternoon.

“The mortar shell found this morning was a live device and could have resulted in a very different situation,” an official wrote on social media.

German mortar shells are still occasionally found along the island’s shorelines - often by local metal detectorists - where the occupying forces built a huge number of gun emplacements.

This most recent case is not the first time a controlled explosion has taken place on the island this year. Back in April, another bomb from the Second World War was detonated in the Petit Port area.

Police have since shown islanders what to watch our for on Jersey beaches. If in doubt, they are advised to stay well away and call them on 612612.

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