Bomb disposal teams have successfully detonated a World War II mine off the coast of Margate.

Local residents heard a loud 'boom' at around 9.30am on Saturday as a controlled explosion was carried out.

The deadly parachute mine was caught in nets by fishermen in the Thames Estuary on Friday.

Dover Coastguard said the bomb was dropped from a German aircraft. It was the largest device of its kind, a spokesperson said.

Royal Navy experts and the Margate lifeboat moved the bomb to safer waters yesterday. Ships were also warned to keep a reasonable distance.

Earlier attempts to detonate the device were unsuccessful.