'Suspected ordnance' was spotted floating off of a popular beach on Portland.

Police and coastguard were called to the object seen floating off Chesil Cove at 1pm on Tuesday, April 16.

The object was around 25 metres from the shore. Coastguards using binoculars observed the object - they believed it to be a hollow float from a trawling net along with other debris.

A spokesperson for the Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Team said: "Team tasked by Solent Coastguard to assist Weymouth & Portland Police with a report of the suspected ordinance in the water at Chesil Cove.

"On scene, the object in question was approximately 25 metres from the shoreline, with binoculars it was observed but believed to be a hollow float from a trawling net along with other debris.

"Photographs were taken and passed to Solent Coastguard who were happy there was no threat to vessels and the team were stood down."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "At 12.50pm on Tuesday, April 16, Dorset Police received a report of possible ordinance in the water at Chesil Cove on Portland. Officers attended and a temporary cordon was put in place to protect the public. Officers left the scene once the coastguard arrived and police involvement was no longer required."