Popular UK beach closed after 'bomb found' as public told to avoid area

Ben McCaffrey
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:50:45 +0000

A popular UK beach has been evacuated after a suspected bomb was found, with the public now being urged to avoid the area.

Bomb disposal experts were called to Lyme Regis beach in Dorset at around 1pm on Thursday afternoon.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and swiftly shut down the area, with crowds of beach-goers evacuating.

Hundreds of families had been enjoying the lavish afternoon sunlight when the emergency was reported.

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A spokesman for HM Coastguard said: "A report of suspected ordnance at Lyme Regis beach was made to HM Coastguard at about 1.05pm on April 2.

"Coastguard Rescue Teams from Lyme Regis and West Bay are attending, as well as Dorset Police. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team has been sent."

The beach is a popular tourist destination in the seaside town of Dorset, where thousands of Britons travel for domestic getaways every year.

The area boasts a multitude of beaches, including both sand and pebbles.

However, Lyme Regis Town Council stressed locals do not need to worry.

A spokesman said: "A section of the beach is currently closed following guidance from HM Coastguard.

"There is no immediate cause for concern, however we kindly ask members of the public to avoid the area while this is being managed.

"We will share further updates as soon as more information becomes available.

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"Thank you for your cooperation."

A spokesman for Dorset Police added: "On this occasion, police have been asked to assist the coastguard with a cordon, but they are leading on this incident."

Families have since been allowed to return to the popular beach.

A similar incident occurred in March 2025, when specialist teams were once again called to the area after the discovery of a suspected bomb.

At that time, a 100 metre cordon was erected across Charmouth beach.

The suspicious item was eventually uncovered, and on inspection, it turned out to be a "very old straight-sided saucepan".

The Lyme Regis Coastguard said naval experts had "expressed interest based on the object's appearance and measurements".