POLICE have cordoned off an area in Freshwater this morning (Tuesday) following the discovery of a large ship distress flare.
A 50 metre cordon has been put in place around the Co-op on Afton Road.
A spokesperson for Isle of Wight Police said: "We’ve been liaising with the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team who have advised that the cordon needs to be put in place while the item is safely removed.
"We apologise for any inconvenience to anyone in the area — the safety of the public is our priority.
"We’ll update you as soon as we can."
UPDATE 11.45pm:
Isle of Wight Police have confirmed the cordon has now been lifted.
The flare will be taken by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team to Freshwater Bay for detonation.
A spokesperson for Isle of Wight Police said: "This morning, we were called to reports of a flare which had been left near to a bin at Co-Op, Freshwater.
"Upon attendance, it was established that the device was in fact a C2A2 Marine Location Marker, which contains phosphorus.
"This is highly combustible, potentially explosive and rather toxic.
"In these situations, we are led by the Navy Explosive Ordinance Department who determine what levels of evacuation needs to take place.
"The Navy attended, and dealt with the safe disposal of the device.
"If you have any flares or similar related items please contact the Coastguard for safe disposal guidance."
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