There were fears for sunbathers as a bomb squad was called to a beach on the southwest coast this week.

At around 1.20pm yesterday the alarm was raised over a suspected explosive on the beach in Swanage, Dorset, and a cordon was put in place.

An explosive ordnance disposal unit was called which determined that the item was not ordnance and it was removed by the local council.

Swanage coastguard rescue team was also called and police were informed.

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "The Swanage coastguard team responded to a report of suspected ordnance on the beach at Swanage.

"The alarm was raised and a cordon put up. Dorset Police was also informed. The item was deemed not to be ordnance by an explosive ordnance disposal unit and the local council removed it."