Royal Navy Merlin dispatched after suspected WW2 grenade found on beach

A Royal Navy Merlin helicopter has transported an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to the Isles of Scilly following the discovery of a suspected WW2-era grenade on a beach.

The suspected device was found on the island of St Martin's, prompting a response from the emergency services as well as the Royal Navy.

"A helicopter from Culdrose was called after the discovery of a possible WW2 grenade on a beach on the Isles of Scilly yesterday evening," Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose said on social media.

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"A Merlin from 820 Naval Air Squadron flew a Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to St Martin's, who destroyed the object in a controlled explosion," said RNAS Culdrose.

St Martin's is one of the Isles of Scilly, a small archipelago off the southwestern tip of Cornwall.

RNAS Culdrose is located near Helston on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula and is a significant base for the Royal Navy's maritime Merlins.

As one of Europe's largest helicopter bases, it employs 3,000 people and is a major contributor to Cornwall's economy, injecting around £100m each year.