POLICE CLOSE BIRDING HOTSPOT ON EAST COAST FOLLOWING DISCOVERY OF 'SUSPICIOUS DEVICE'

                                    

A helmeted police officer points the location of the 'device' to resort officers

PART of an area popular with birders was temporarily cordoned off at midday today.

The outer beach and saltmarsh at Cleethorpes in North East Lincolnshire is a good spot for migrant passerines, such as wheatears, and over-wintering waders such as redshank and snipe.

There are fewer birds in mid-June though skylarks, meadow pipits and linnets are often conspicuous.

The decision temporarily  to exclude the public was made after reports that a "suspicious device" had been found.

It is thought that the item was a World War II hand grenade - probably harmless but it was felt better to play safe than sorry.

It is understood a call was put out to a bomb disposal unit to attend.

Members of the Coastguard and Cleethorpes resort officers were also in attendance.

                                             

High alert - one of the duty officers steps out briskly over the saltmarsh

               

A singing skylark provided musical accompaniment to the police operation