UPDATE: TEIGNMOUTH seafront and beach were cordoned off today after the discovery of what is believed to be a WW2 bomb near the pier.

The Royal Navy bomb squad were called in, along with the police, coastguard, and RNLI personnel to keep crowds of people well away from the danger area.

The bomb was spotted on the seabed last evening by 19 year-old James Cunningham of Bishopsteignton, who was scuba diving near the pier.

'I saw an object covered in rust and kelp on the seabed, and was not sure what it was at first. i soon realised it was probably a bomb, and quickly went ashore to contact the police. This morning I showed them exactly where it was, and the bomb squad were called into to deal with it and hopefully make it safe.

'I expect it will be dragged out to sea and detonated, well away from the shore,' said the Plymouth University student.