A COASTGUARD team was called after a suspected ordnance at Earnse Bay.

Furness Coastguard was paged yesterday just after 9am after a member of the public reported the suspected ordnance.

Once on scene the team identified the object as a phosphorus flare which still had its parachute attached.

Team members photographed the object and details were sent to the coastguard control room at Holyhead, who then notified Cumbria Police and the Explosives and Ordnance Department (EOD).

A cordon was set up around the item to ensure nobody went near the object.

Agencies managed to safely remove the flare which was taken away to be disposed of by the EOD.

A Furness Coastguard spokesman said: “This item had been recovered from the beach by a member of the public and left with the rest of the rubbish at Earnse bay.

“We would like to remind everyone, if they find any suspected ordnance on the beach not to touch it, certainly do not remove it from the beach, and call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”