People have been reminded not to pick up suspected explosives after a bomb alert.

Four artillery shells were found on mudflats off Minster yesterday.

But coastguards were surprised to find out the devices had been put in a carrier bag and taken to the beach, opposite the entrance to Barton's Point.

It was only then, at about 12.30pm, that the person who discovered them alerted coastguards. When officers arrived the tide had come in and the devices were submerged so they had to return at 4pm when they were visible again.

Police had to close off Marine Parade while the Royal Navy Bomb Disposal team detonated the shells.

Sheppey Coastguard rescue officer James Crane said: "We do not advise any member of the public to pick up and transport any item which they believe to be ordnance as after time the quality of ordnance deteriorates to a point where the item becomes unstable and any movement may be instrumental in the accidental detonation of the devices.

"If any member of the public finds anything which they believe to be ordnance, they are to mark the device in a way so that it can be located and they are to ring 999 and ask for 'Coastguard'."