A popular beach has been partially shut off after reports of an unexploded Second World War bomb.

The Southend Coastguard was called to investigate the incident.

Part of the beach has been coned off with red tape closing off the large area of the beach.

Jeremy Littlewood, manager of both Southend and Canvey Coastguards said: “We were contacted earlier today at low tide and we investigated and have passed it over to the explosive ordnance disposal team at the Royal Navy Specialist Diving Unit who will assess it and may go to the beach to assess it further.”

The Royal Navy was contacted for comment.