Marine flare dumped in Northumberland coastal car park leads to emergency alert

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A car park at a popular Northumberland beauty spot was sealed off after a marine pyrotechnic was left dumped next to a bin.

Howick Coastguard Rescue Team were alerted by their base in Humber at 1.15pm today, Wednesday, July 8, after the report came in about the flare, which had been left at Low Newton Car Park.

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It is thought someone found it on the beach and then left it in the car park, leading the emergency service team to warn it could have exploded and caused serious injury.

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A photo shared by Howick Coastguard Rescue Team after its members cordoned off the car park at Low Newton as they dealt with the discovery of a marine flare.A photo shared by Howick Coastguard Rescue Team after its members cordoned off the car park at Low Newton as they dealt with the discovery of a marine flare.
A photo shared by Howick Coastguard Rescue Team after its members cordoned off the car park at Low Newton as they dealt with the discovery of a marine flare.

A spokesperson for the team said: “Due to the condition of the pyrotechnic it was not possible to identify the type so it was treated as a projectile hazard.

“The area was cordoned off and the team made the device safe and packaged it for safe transportation to Hartlepool Coastguard Rescue Team station for its onward journey to Humber Coastguard for safe disposal.

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“This flare had been found on the beach at Low Newton and carried up to the car park and placed next to the bins.

“We would like to remind you all that if you find any marine pyrotechnics on the beach, DO NOT move them as they could be highly unstable and detonate in your hand.

“Mark the site and, if possible to do so safely, guide people away from the area.

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“Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard and remain a safe distance from the area.

“Do not move it or disturb it as these devices can be very unstable.

“Remember, in an emergency at sea or on the coast, or if you think someone may be in difficulty, ALWAYS call the COASTGUARD by dialling 999.”

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