A section of one of Merseyside's most popular beaches was cordoned off today after something suspicious was found in the sand.
Police officers and an explosives team rushed to Formby Beach at around 11.15am today (Wednesday) after ammunition boxes were uncovered.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police told the ECHO: "We can confirm that emergency services were at Formby Beach following an incident today.
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"We were informed by the coastguard that ammunition boxes had been found.
"Following attendance by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), it was quickly established that the boxes were empty, possibly discarded from a vessel, and they were removed.
"We’d like to encourage people to dispose of all such items of litter in a responsible way, as not doing so can cause demand on emergency services."
Crosby and Southport Coastguard Rescue Teams were also sent to the beach.
A spokeswoman for the Martime and Coastguard Agency said: "Rescue teams were sent to Formby Beach just before 10.45am following the discovery of a possible ammunitions box.
"An EOD team was also sent and confirmed that the box was empty."
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