NAVY bomb disposal experts blew up more than a dozen potentially lethal shells that were washed up on Hurst Spit near Milford by stormy seas.

A walker found one shell at 4pm on Thursday and notified the Coastguard service and police.

Another four shells were then discovered.

Officers from the Royal Navy Explosives Ordnance Department at Portsmouth attended and decided the incoming tide would cover them and ensure there was no immediate danger.

The area was cordoned off overnight.

The Navy team returned at 6.30am on Friday and scoured the beach for more ammunition.

A Royal Navy press spokesman said: "Six six-inch diameter shells and a number of smaller shells, 2lb Hotchkiss rounds, were found, and the way these shells were made makes them quite dangerous.

"There was another three-inch shell plus three inert shells, which were practice rounds which were carried away."

A team of five led by Chief Petty Officer Diver John Meakin collected the shells together and carried out two controlled explosions before 9.45am.

The seas around Hurst Spit are part of a former practice range and the spokesman said it was quite likely more could be washed up by the heavy seas.

"We would advise people to keep an eye out because this is an area where they do turn up.

"The team are called out there relatively frequently.

"Our advice to people is not to touch it, not to pick it up and to report it to Coastguard or police."

First published: November 5