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Freshwater 'Flare' - Left By Bin At Co-Op - Was "Highly Combustible" Location Marker

Photo from @IsleofWightPolice.

A "highly combustible and potentially explosive" device found in Freshwater has been disposed of.

As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, a cordon was erected around the village's Co-Op store after police discovered what they thought to be a ship's distress flare.

Hampshire Constabulary says the object is in fact a marine location marker. The particular device, carrying the designation C2A2, is dropped from aircrafts.

It emits a bright yellow flame to guide rescuers to a location in the water. 

Police say the "potentially explosive" item was left by a bin - and is "rather toxic".

A spokesperson said:

"In these situations we are led by the Navy Explosive Ordinance Department who determine what levels of evacuation needs to take place.

"Based on their direct guidance we implemented a 50m cordon around the item. The Navy attended, and dealt with the safe disposal of the device."

The device was safely detonated at Freshwater Bay.

If you have any flares or similar related items please contact the coastguard on 999.

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