Unexploded WWII munition found on Southsea Beach with area cordoned off
A second wold war munition was found on Southsea Beach, leading to the area being cordoned while it was recovered.
It was found just after 10am on Saturday morning (January 24) by Jasmine Jennings and her family, who immediately called the emergency services, just across the road from the Rose Gardens. Her father Ryan stood with it until the Coastguard arrived and arranged for it to be retrieved, while police also attended to assist with public safety and put a cordon in place.
Jasmine told The News: “Myself , mum and dad had found what looked to be a WW2 missile which was live, it was never confirmed the year or type of explosive.
“My dad immediately called 999 to make sure they came out and dealt with it. This meant my dad heroically waited next to the live “bomb” for nearly 2 hours until the coast guard arrived and sectioned the whole beach and road off.
“We were unaware of how dangerous it could have been but my dad made sure to stay by it no matter what so no member of the public and their dogs got hurt. I feel as though he deserves some recognition as he put his own safety at risk to protect others.”
The ordnance is the second to be found in recent weeks, with the recent dredging in the Solent for the sea defences work thought to have disturbed a number of unexploded devises which are in Portsmouth Harbour which were dropped by the Germans during the war.