It was discovered by a metal detector
Someone using a metal detector on Paignton beach discovered an unexploded WW2 bomb on Tuesday (14th September) before calling emergency services.
Torbay Coastguard Rescue Team were quickly on scene, with the assistance of Paignton Police, to place a cordon around the object. The metal detectorist had excavated some sand from around the object, and they were able to send photos to the Royal Navy bomb disposal team. They confirmed that they believed the object to be ordnance.
Unfortunately, the incoming tide meant that the object would be covered by the sea before the EOD team could arrive and so a plan was made to maintain the cordon until the morning. The team divided into shifts and prepared for a third consecutive night with reduced sleep.
The team returned to Paignton beach around 05:30 to extend the cordon with the receding tide and meet with the EOD team, who arrived shortly after 06:00.
They were able to confirm that the object in question was indeed an explosive projectile, probably from the 1940s. They were able to carefully remove it and take it away for disposal.
Taking advantage of the low tide, the team completed a search of the beach and were satisfied that there was no other ordnance.
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