An area of Margate beach has been reopened after a suspicious package was found in the sand.

Kent Police were called at 2.40pm when a lifeguard discovered an object comprised of four parts with a fuse in the middle.

The Ministry of Defence bomb disposal team attended at 4.20pm and safely removed the device.

A Kent Police spokesman said: “It is not clear what the object is but in the interest of health and safety, a patrol has cordoned off the area.”

Roarke Alexander, of Grosvenor Place, was on his way to get a coffee when he arrived at the scene at 3pm.

He said: “When we got here the area was cordoned off and more police cars began to turn up.

“There are six officers now and no one is allowed in.

“We overheard someone say it was because of a small package and it is being dealt with in the correct manner.

“I presume they are waiting for an expert to have a look before doing anything else.”