A bomb disposal unit from the Royal Navy has been spotted near the seafront in Leigh after an unexploded device has been found.

The bomb disposal unit van was joined by two crews from the coastguard after the device was found near a yacht club in Marine Parade in Leigh-On-Sea where the ordnance was found (April 25).

It was discovered about quarter of a mile from the shore and, after review from local officers and HM Coastguard, bomb disposal officers were called to attend when the tide was low.

Witnesses have since taken to Twitter to report hearing an 'explosion' in the area near the Belton Hills Nature Reserve earlier this morning.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: "The teams remain on scene this morning to assess and remove the device."

We will bring you more information once it becomes available.