Police confirm metal cylinder found on sand at Ryhope beach has been removed

Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team and police officers attended Ryhope beach on Saturday, May 1 after reports of a “possible mortar” found on the sand.
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Police first received reports of a “possible mortar” found on Ryhope beach just before 2pm on Friday (April 30).

The area was cleared as a precaution and the incident continued into Saturday (May 1) as police carried out safety checks on the device, with the support of bomb disposal experts.

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The Sunderland Coastguard team were also called to the scene on Saturday.

Police and the coastguard were called to Ryhope beach on Saturday. Picture: Sunderland Coastguard Rescue TeamPolice and the coastguard were called to Ryhope beach on Saturday. Picture: Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team
Police and the coastguard were called to Ryhope beach on Saturday. Picture: Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team

After inspection it was concluded that the object was a gas canister and it has since been removed, police have confirmed.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 2pm on Friday (April 30) we received a report of a possible mortar found on the beach in Ryhope.

“Officers cleared the area as a precaution, but following specialist advice by bomb disposal experts, the item was confirmed not to be of an explosive nature and was in fact a gas canister. The item has since been removed.

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“We would like to thank the member of the public who reported the item in good faith, and would ask anybody who sees anything suspicious to always get in touch.”

The Sunderland Coastguard Rescue team posted a statement on social media on Saturday afternoon, detailing the incident and sharing a photograph from the scene.

It said: “Whilst commencing a local area patrol we were diverted to a possible finding of ordnance at Ryhope beach.

“Coastguard officers met police on scene. Measurements and photographs were taken by CRO's and forwarded onto specialists for further inspection.

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"It was determined the object was in fact a harmless cylinder. We were then released to return to station following this information.”

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