HOMES in Teignmouth are being evacuated this afternoon, Friday, May 23, after a suspected bomb was found on the town’s beach.

A 200m cordon has been put in place near Teignmouth Pier after the suspected ordnance was found in the sand.

It is understood that the suspected mine was found by a veteran who was out with his metal detector earlier today.

HM Coastguard and the police are waiting for the Ministry of Defence to confirm the suspected ordnance, the Mid-Devon Advertiser has been told. However, the incoming tide is likely to delay identification.

The cordon includes the pier, nearby cafes, the theatre and the play park - properties are also being evacuated.

The cordon has been extended to include the Den Play Area
The cordon has been extended to include the Den Play Area (Jo Bowery / MDA)

‘Please steer clear of the area while emergency services are in attendance and assessing the item’ a spokesperson for Teignmouth and Dawlish Police said.

‘We will keep you updated in due course’ the spokesperson added.

The cordon extends from Teignmouth Pier to the Point Car Park
The cordon extends from Teignmouth Pier to the Point Car Park (Jo Bowery / MDA)