A SUSPECT device found on a West Dorset beach has been detonated by the bomb squad.

Experts from the Royal Navy carried out a controlled explosion after the object washed up on Charmouth Beach.

An area of the beach was cordoned off after what appeared to be a shell was washed up to the west of the beach.

The bomb squad examined the device to see whether a controlled explosion was required.

Experts said the shell was a piece of ordnance dating from the Second World War.