3 days ago
Fife beach closed following discovery of 'unexploded mortar shell'
The unexploded ordnance was discovered on the beach at Shell Bay, in East Neuk, at around 2.30pm on Saturday.
The beach was closed, and a cordon was set up by the emergency services while Coastguard crews from St Andrews and Leven attended the scene.
Nine coastguard personnel and four vehicles were reportedly present until Sunday afternoon after ordnance disposal experts from the British Army carried out a controlled explosion.
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The beach reopened at around 2:50pm on Sunday, according to Elie Holiday Park, which is run by Abbeyford Leisure and is opposite Shell Bay.
The company wrote on social media on Saturday: 'Police Scotland have advised that there has been a sighting of a mortar shell within the bay, which has now been covered by the incoming tide.'
Abbeyford Leisure added: 'Please be assured that the police are monitoring the situation and we will provide a further update when possible.
'In the meantime, we respectfully ask that you avoid the beach and sands at low tide and observe any cordons that may be put in place.
'Thank you for your co-operation.'
In a separate post on Sunday, Abbeyford Leisure confirmed the incident was over and that the beach was reopened after a controlled explosion.
The firm said: 'Explosive ordnance disposal specialists have successfully carried out a controlled explosion of the mortar shell.
'The beach is now fully open.
'We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Police Scotland, Maritime Coastguard (Kinghorn, Leven & St Andrews) and the British Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team (521 EOD Edinburgh Troop) for their swift response – and for everyone's co-operation and understanding during this time.'
A HM Coastguard spokesperson said on Sunday morning: 'We were informed at the back of 3pm on Saturday about an unexploded ordnance on the beach.
'Coastguard are there maintaining a cordon until a bomb explosive crew arrives to dispose of it.
'Coastguard were initially tasked in the evening and confirmed it was there.
'They've gone back this morning until it is uncovered by the tide.
'We have volunteers there from St Andrews and Leven.'
Police Scotland has been approached for comment.
