A HARBOUR was brought to a standstill today after a shell was found by workmen.

The device was found among shingle by contractors carrying out reshaping work for the new breakwater at the mouth of Cowes harbour.

They quickly raised the alarm and surrounded it with sandbags.

Cowes lifeboat was launched at 2pm and mobile coastguards from Bembridged inspected the device, thought to be an anti-aircraft shell from the Second World War.

It is expected to eventually be removed by Royal Navy personnel from Portsmouth.