Police were called to a suspected unexploded WWII device on Formby beach today

Merseyside Police today (2 May 2017) attended at Raven Meols beach, Formby, after a 6in to 8 inch piece of metal piping was discovered embedded in the sand by a passer-by at around 11.30am.

Officers were first informed the object may have been a suspected unexploded WWII device and a cordon was set up in the immediate vicinity. Examination at the scene ascertained that it was rusted metal piping.

The operation was subsequently stood down and the cordon removed.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "The correct precautions were put in place following the report of the discovery of a potentially dangerous device.

"The report was made to Merseyside Police in good faith, but subsequent investigation proved that the object was harmless."

"We would always urge anybody who sees a suspicious object to contact us and not to examine or touch the object themselves."

Anyone with information should call police on 101.