Britons told to avoid popular tourist beach after 150 WW2 grenades found

Oliver Partridge
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:54:27 +0000

A popular beach near Hartlepool remains closed to the public following the discovery of more than 150 Second World War grenades.

Cleveland Police were alerted to the find at Crimdon Dene beach on Tuesday morning after the phosphorus-based munitions were spotted in the sand.

One individual sustained minor burns after coming into contact with the ordnance, which ignites spontaneously when exposed to air.

Hartlepool Borough Council has advised both residents and visitors to keep away from the area whilst specialist teams continue their work to make the beach safe.

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Controlled explosions were conducted to safely dispose of the dangerous devices.

A security cordon remains firmly in place at the scene.

Cleveland Police confirmed officers and explosives specialists are still present at the scene as they examine the surrounding area.

"A controlled explosion took place last night and a cordon remains in place to allow experts to check the wider location," the force said.

"They will remain there until they are confident the area has been cleared."

The nearest footpath to the discovery site will remain closed until the operation concludes, although alternative routes that bypass the affected zone remain open.

The munitions have been identified as self-igniting phosphorus grenades, commonly known as SIPs, which were designed to burst into flames upon contact with air.

Military experts confirmed these weapons were originally deployed by the British Home Guard during the Second World War as anti-tank devices.

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The grenades, described as bottle-shaped with orange and yellow colouring, were found partially submerged in the sand on the well-visited stretch of coastline.

Such ordnance is considered exceptionally hazardous, with the Army warning of an extreme risk of severe burns or serious injury should anyone handle them improperly.

Authorities have urged members of the public to immediately contact police should they come across any suspected SIP grenades in the area.

Hartlepool Coastguard Rescue Team noted that whilst discovering unexploded munitions during a beach visit is uncommon, adverse weather conditions and high tides can bring such objects to the surface.

"Our shores are filled with history, but remnants from the past can still sometimes wash up on our shores today," the coastguard said.

The local authority expressed gratitude for the "patience and co-operation" shown by the community as the clearance operation continues.