AN unexploded Second World War bomb found in the Bristol Channel near Hinkley Point C has been detonated. 

An EDF diving team discovered the bomb just after 3.30pm yesterday (August 7) off Lilstock Range in the Bristol Channel and alerted the UK Coastguard. 

The UK Coastguard has issued warning broadcasts advising vessels in the area of a 1000m exclusive zone around the ordnance to ensure they are kept at a safe distance.

A spokesman from Milford Haven Coastguard said: "The Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team arrived on scene this morning and there are plans in place to detonate the ordnance just after 1pm today (August 8).

"Until that time, we have taken measures to set up an exclusive zone and clear the area of vessels to keep the public safe.  

"Avon and Somerset Police have also been informed of the incident. 

"We have no further information at this time but we will hopefully provide an update after the EOD team have assessed the situation and dealt with the ordnance."

David Eccles, EDF Energy’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement for Hinkley Point C, said: “We have a team of 10 divers checking the seabed ahead of the construction of the main cooling water tunnels and associated seabed structures for Hinkley Point C.

“We believe the unexploded ordnance probably dates back to the Second World War, however, the Bristol Channel was once used as a practice firing range and finds like this do happen from time to time in the local area.

“As a precaution we have put a cordon zone around the area and are working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Royal Navy.”

The Maritime and Coastal Agency tweeted to inform the public that the bomb had been detonated and the exclusion zones lifted.