PART of Chesil Beach remained closed early today after a suspected unexploded bomb was found on the water's edge.

Dorset Police said the area was cordoned off after the device was spotted near the visitor centre car park yesterday evening.

Officers stayed at the scene overnight and a Royal Navy bomb disposal unit was called to examine the object.

Portland Coastguard was notified of the find after a diver discovered the submerged device and alerted staff at the Chesil Beach Visitors Centre.

Coastguards attended the scene and police sealed the area off at around 6pm yesterday. Portland Beach Road was not closed to traffic.

A Portland Coastguard spokesman said: "The object was right on the water's edge so if it was an unexploded bomb it would have posed a significant risk."

Police said the Royal Navy bomb disposal unit arrived at low tide, shortly before 7am today, to inspect the suspect device.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "It was not quite clear exactly what it was. It appeared to be made of a brassy material."