Over 1,000 Second World War-era explosives found

More than 1,000 explosives from the Second World War were uncovered following a landslide at a beach last night.

A guarded cordon was put in place after the ordnance at Mappleton beach near Hornsea, East Yorkshire, became exposed and Army bomb-disposal experts have been dealing with the incident.

Mike Puplett, watch manager at Humber Coastguard, said the area was used by the RAF during the war and the cliffs were used for target practice. He said: "Ordnance is uncovered several times a year due to coastal erosion but with the recent poor weather we've had it's exacerbated the erosion and all this has been uncovered.

"There is a mix of rockets, mortars, 25lb bombs and more. They are all highly dangerous and should not be touched at all. It is highly dangerous at the moment.

"I am no explosive expert but the Army has told me these things could cause serious injury, if not worse, and even low explosive rounds are dangerous."

He said he thought the explosives would either be removed or that controlled explosions would be carried out within the next few days.

"We are advising people to stay away from the area," he said.