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

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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

If you can, please do pick up a copy when you are at the shops. Thank you for your support.