A BOMB disposal unit carried out a controlled explosion on a live eight-inch mortar round on a Furness beach this morning.

Police were called to Roanhead Beach at 2.40pm yesterday after a member of the public reported seeing a mortar round sticking out of the sand.

Officers made the area safe while the Coastguard and the Royal Navy's bomb disposal team was called to the site.

A cordon was placed around the area overnight and a controlled explosion was carried out at approximately 9am today.

A UK Coastguard spokesman said: "We had a couple of Coastguard teams involved in keeping an eye on it. The Furness and Millom Coastguard teams were involved.

"The Navy bomb disposal did a controlled explosion this morning at about 9am."

A post on the Furness Coastguard Facebook page said: "Upon further inspection, this shell was deemed high risk as the fuse was still intact and deemed unstable. Just after first light this morning the Royal Navy EOD carried out a controlled explosion.

"We urge all followers to never disturb any ordnance found around the coast and to always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if in any doubt.

"This could have been a totally different outcome as this shell was still live and highly dangerous."

A Cumbria Police spokesman said: "We attended and made sure the area was clear and safe. We handed over to the Coastguard who contacted bomb disposal."