Pictures show the drama unfold as controlled explosion takes place on Southsea beach

By Joe Williams

Reporter

Published 8th Feb 2026, 15:05 BST

A suspected unexploded ordnance discovered in Southsea has been safely detonated after police cordoned off the area.

The incident took place near Southsea Esplanade on Sunday, February 8 with the ordnance discovered at around 12pm. The police set up a cordon on Eastney Esplanade between the junction of St George’s Road and St Helen’s Parade while an ordnance disposal team arrived at the scene.

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Beachgoers and onlookers were then asked to move back further as a controlled explosion took place to safely remove the threat from the beach.

A Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said: “At 12:01pm today (February 8) we were called to a suspected unexploded ordnance on the beach near Southsea Esplanade.

“The Royal Navy EOD team arrived on scene and detonated the item safely.”

Find pictures from the incident below:

A controlled explosion has taken place after a suspected unexploded ordnance was found on Southsea beach on Sunday, February 8.

1. Suspected unexploded ordnance

A controlled explosion has taken place after a suspected unexploded ordnance was found on Southsea beach on Sunday, February 8. | Marcin Jedrysiak

A cordon was set up by police from the Coffee Cup in Eastney to the other side of Canoe Lake.

2. Southsea beach cordoned off

A cordon was set up by police from the Coffee Cup in Eastney to the other side of Canoe Lake. | Marcin Jedrysiak

Specialist ordnance disposal team assess the situation.

3. Possible unexploded ordnance

Specialist ordnance disposal team assess the situation. | Marcin Jedrysiak

The cordon at its most western point, just past Canoe Lake.

4. The western end of the cordon

The cordon at its most western point, just past Canoe Lake. | Marcin Jedrysiak

Southsea Ordnance