Ainsdale beach evacuation sparked by metal detector 'playing up'

Merseyside Police say an incident which led to Ainsdale Beach in Southport being evacuated was down to a metal detector 'playing up'.

Police were alerted the the discovery of possible wartime explosives at 11am on Saturday 24 June after a detectorist reported finding the article.

Shore Road was closed and the beach was closed to the public.

Sefton Council posted on social media to ask people to avoid the area after the discovery at 11am.

The beach was partially re-opened at 12:30pm, with the council saying 'A considerable section of the beach car park remains closed, meaning our capacity for visitors those visiting by car is reduced.

Merseyside Police have told ITV Granada a search of the beach then revealed no item was found, and the detectorist said his metal detector had been 'playing up'.

The incident was stood down at approximately 2pm.

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