Bomb squad called after walker finds WWII torpedo fragment near popular East Lothian beach

Royal Navy bomb disposal experts have been dispatched to East Lothian after fragments of a WW2 torpedo were discovered near Gullane beach.

Volunteers from the North Berwick Coastguard said they supplied images and measurements to the Faslane squad after a passer-by discovered the three metre-long vessel on Monday.

The crew was instructed to cordon off the area until the Navy team arrived to inspect the ordnance, which was later identified as a compressor tank from a WW2 torpedo - an underwater weapon designed to sink ships and submarines.

The compressor tank was found washed up near Gullane | North Berwick Coastguard

Further inspections revealed it was empty of fuel, meaning it posed no danger to the public.

A spokesperson said, due to its remote location, the vessel will be left in place.

They said the discovery was a “great spot” by the passer-by and urged anyone else with concerns about suspicious items on the coast, including possible ordnance, to call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

The coastguard and a bomb disposal team from Faslane identified and inspected the object | North Berwick Coastguard

Last week, the crew were called to Broadsands beach in North Berwick after a walker reported a suspicious item.

The volunteers swiftly alerted a bomb squad and a 100-metre cordon was erected on the beach while investigations took place.

The item was later identified as an artillery shell and removed for safe disposal.