A military device was found on a beach near Lyme Regis… but had disappeared the next day.

The ordnance was found on the beach below The Spittles near Lyme Regis on Wednesday, December 31 at around 12.30pm.

Lyme Regis Coastguard responded and set up a cordon until Dorset Police arrived.

The bomb squad (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) was called but could not reach the device due to the tide.

The Lyme Regis Coastguard attempted to locate the item the next day but was unable to find it.

A spokesperson for the Marine Coastguard Agency said: "The device was treated as suspected ordnance and taped off, near the high water mark, but was not there on Monday, January 1 when Lyme Regis Coastguard Rescue Team returned to check ahead of any Explosive Ordnance Device team being sent."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "At 12.24pm on Sunday, December 31, Dorset Police received a report from a member of the public citing a suspicious-looking object on the East Cliff Beach in Lyme Regis.

"Officers were in attendance and a cordon was put in place. This incident was later passed to the coastguard as the item was cut off by the tide and submerged underwater."

A spokesperson for Lyme Regis Coastguard said: "Tasked to reports of ordnance on the beach below The Spittles.

"Cordon maintained until arrival of Dorset Police, Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit unable to attend due to tide.

"Re-tasked to locate the item the following day but was unsuccessful."