The huge explosion heard across Formby today was caused by a bomb being detonated close to its beach.
Footage captured by the Southport Independent Lifeboat showed how the military 500lb device was disposed of after the shock discovery on Thursday evening.
Police were called to the coastline at 5.30pm yesterday after the device was identified by a member of the public.
The detonation, carried out in the waters around the Sefton coastline, caused waves to shoot up into the air as residents in the area heard a loud bang at 11.30am today.
Southport Independent Lifeboat said they were requested by HM Coastguard to help with the detonation effort.
The Royal Navy launched a rigid inflatable boat and were escorted out to Formby Point.
A cordon was put in place on Victoria Road while the emergency services made the area safe.
Earlier today, a Merseyside Police spokesman told the ECHO: "We can confirm that officers are in attendance at Formby beach today following the discovery of a suspected unexploded ordnance device.
"Officers were called around 5.30pm yesterday after the device was found by a member of the public.
"The device has now been safely detonated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team.
"A cordon remains in place in the Victoria Road area while safety checks are completed.
"We would like to thank the community for their patience while we deal with the incident."
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