A bomb disposal team were called to a beach in Mid Wales this week due to an unexploded World War II device found by a member of the public.
On Monday, October 9, a bomb disposal team came to Ynyslas beach, between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth, to carry out controlled explosion on a piece of ordnance buried beneath the sand.
The beach once served as a test range for rocket propelled explosives during World War II, with several pieces of artillery and unexploded devices still being uncovered annually.
The latest piece was found at 1.15pm, in the Dyfi National Nature Reserve, managed by Natural Resources Wales.
Justin Lyons, Senior Land Management Officer for Natural Resources Wales said: “We are aware that the Army was in attendance at the Dyfi National Nature Reserve at Ynyslas on Monday (9 October) accompanied by HM Coastguard, to undertake a controlled explosion of ordnance that was reported by a member of the public.
“Ynyslas was used as a test range for rocket propellants during and just after the second world war and several items of ordnance from this period are still uncovered annually.
“There are several warning signs in place around the site with pictures of the ordnance types that have been found, and advising people what to do if they come across one.
“If you live locally or are visiting the area and find anything suspicious, please make sure you do not touch the item, and call 999 immediately to request the HM Coastguard with a detailed description of the location and a grid reference, so it can be disposed of safely.”
Members of the Army and HM Coastguard were present at the incident to ensure the controlled explosion was executed safely.
A spokesperson for Hm Coatsguard said: “HM Coastguard responded to a report of suspected ordnance at Ynyslas, Ceredigion on Monday 9 October at approx. 1.15pm.
"Borth and Aberystwyth Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to investigate and set up a safety cordon, with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team informed. The coastguard teams manned the cordon while EOD detonated the ordnance.”
The explosion was captured by photographer Laura Shepard, who was out walking at the time when she came across the scene.
Dyfed Powys Police were also informed of the incident but were not directly involved with the disposal of the ordnance.
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