A piece of unexploded ordnance has been discovered along Portsmouth’s seafront, prompting immediate evacuations and the establishment of police cordons in the Southsea area.
The discovery was made this morning by workers from the Southsea Coastal Scheme, leading to swift action from emergency services.
Hampshire Police are currently on scene at Pier Road, where multiple cordons have been put in place around Clarence Esplanade.
The incident has triggered the closure of several prominent seafront attractions, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area whilst disposal operations are carried out.
The area of Southsea currently closed
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Emergency services remain at the scene, working to ensure public safety in the affected areas.
Several key locations have been evacuated as part of the safety measures, including Blue Reef Aquarium, the D-Day Museum, and Clarence Pier.
Parts of Southsea Common have also been included within the cordon zone. Hampshire Police have confirmed that no residential properties have been affected by the evacuation orders.
The cordons remain in place around the Clarence Esplanade area, where sea defence works were being carried out at the time of the discovery.
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The Blue Reef Aquarium has been closed
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Members of the public and visitors are being directed away from these popular attractions whilst the incident is being dealt with by specialists.
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: “We are working with our partners in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to dispose of the item safely.”
“We are urging members of the public to please avoid the area while this is carried out,” the police statement continued.
The force confirmed they will provide updates once the cordons have been lifted.
Local businesses have taken to social media to inform visitors about the emergency situation.
Clarence Pier posted on Facebook: “Due to an emergency evacuation, please do not come to Clarence pier today. The entire seafront has been evacuated due to reasons beyond our control.”
Blue Reef Aquarium also issued a statement on Facebook, explaining: “An unexploded ordnance has been found in the Solent by the Coastal Defence Scheme. As a result the seafront has been evacuated and the aquarium will remain closed until it has been made safe.”
The aquarium reassured visitors that their tickets would remain valid for the next six months.