BEACH BOMB

‘World War Two shell’ washes up on Brighton beach sparking evacuation as explosive blasts near historic pier

Alice Fuller

Published: 15:33, 1 Jan 2023
Updated: 15:53, 1 Jan 2023

BRIGHTON Beach was evacuated today after a suspected World War II shell washed ashore.

The device was detonated on the pebbles just yards from the Palace Pier.

A suspected WW2 shell washed up on beach near the Brighton Palace Pier — A suspected WW2 shell washed up on beach near the Brighton Palace PierCredit: Alamy

It was blown up by a bomb disposal team after the beach was evacuated — It was blown up by a bomb disposal team after the beach was evacuatedCredit: Alamy

Sussex Police were called to Madeira Drive at about 10.30am on January 1, 2023, after the projectile was discovered.

The beach was cleared and cordon put in place before a bomb squad arrived to dispose of the ordnance.

Crowds gathered on the promenade to watch the moment it blasted a plume of black smoke into the air.

Footage shows seagulls dispersing during the explosion, while witnesses can be heard saying: "Woah. Holy cow."

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Officers later thanked the public for their patience.

Members of the public watch the explosion on the pebbles — Members of the public watch the explosion on the pebblesCredit: Alamy

Cops were called to the beach at about 10.30am — Cops were called to the beach at about 10.30amCredit: Alamy

Police on the scene in Brighton — Police on the scene in BrightonCredit: Alamy

Part of the beach was taped off — Part of the beach was taped offCredit: Alamy

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