A NAVY bomb disposal team was scrambled to a Hampshire beach after the discovery of a suspected World War Two explosive.

But when the team found the object, uncovered on the shore near Warsash, they were in for a surprise.

Instead of a World War Two ordnance, the explosive specialists found a two foot long piece of scrap metal.

The object was discovered at around 9.15pm last night by a member of Hillhead Rescue Team, on the beach, near to an electrical substation.

A spokesman for the Coastguard said the item was partially covered by water when discovered and the Navy bomb disposal experts were called out as a provide an expert opinion on the 'suspected ordnance'.

The bomb disposal team made two visits to the site, assessing the item last night, before returning this morning to confirm the item was not an explosive.

A spokesperson for the Royal Navy base at Portsmouth said no action was taken.