The one foot-long device was found below Belle Tout lighthouse in sea waters by an off-city RNLI volunteer. Police have evacuated the area and closed off the scene as the Royal Navy Bomb Disposal Unit inspects the bomb. The device is beneath the sea waters and the bomb disposal team are waiting until low tide before tracking it down.

Members of the public have been told to avoid the area.

The Coastguard said a controlled explosion would be carried out later today.

Beachy Head is famous for its chalk cliff face and attracts walkers wanting to take in the views of the headland.

In a statement HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard and the Military Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team are currently on scene at Beachy Head dealing with a possible unexploded shell that was discovered yesterday.

“Just before 8:50pm yesterday HM Coastguard received a call from a member of the public reporting the suspected shell halfway between Belle Tout Lighthouse and Belle Tout layby.

“The photographs were immediately sent to the EOD team.

“The shell is approximately three inches wide and 12 inches long.

“Eastbourne and Birling Gap Coastguard Rescue Teams have set up a cordon around the ordnance restricting public access as a precautionary measure.

“The EOD team arrived on scene this morning and are planning a controlled explosion at low tide later this evening.

“HM Coastguard is advising people to keep at a safe distance until it has been declared safe by the EOD team.”

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