The bomb squad were called in after reports that a suspicious object was found on a West Cumbrian beach.
Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team was called after a walker found what they believed to be an old bomb off Shore Road in Salterbeck, Workington.
The team was asked to locate, assess and relay details to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts. They determined that it needed to be dealt with, but were unable to get to West Cumbria.
Royal Navy divers were called in late last night, in readiness to liaise with our Coastguard members officers at 6am.
Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team said: “On closer inspection, despite the initial shape and size of this item, it was assessed on site by EOD to not be ordnance and so posed no risk to the public.
“It is believed to be a concreted waste pipe left behind from historical industrial works in the area.
“Whilst this item was deemed safe, it could well have been ordnance. The first informant taking down co-ordinates and reporting to the Coastguard straight away was exactly the right thing to do, allowing this to be assessed.
“Our thanks to Persimmon Homes for their co-operation in facilitating access through their land to allow us closer vehicle access.”
