A SECTION of beach in Dovercourt has been cordoned off following the discovery of a suspected explosive device.

Essex Police were called at around 3.15pm today by a member of the public who made the discovery.

A 100-metre cordon has been put in place for 100 metres on a section of the beach near West End Lane.

A spokesman said: "We have closed a section of Harwich beach following the discovery of what is believed to be an unexploded ordnance.

"We have informed the Ministry of Defence’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit and await their arrival.

"We would urge people to observe the cordon which may remain until later this evening.

"Please avoid the area while the incident is being dealt with."