An investigation was under way today after a mysterious bottle - thought to be a home-made bomb - was unearthed on a Shoebury beach.

Military experts were called out yesterday when the device was handed to staff at the Ministry of Defence's New Ranges.

The bomb, encased in a bottle, contained dangerous aluminium powder which burns fiercely when exposed to intense heat.

A detonator or initiating device was also found in the neck of the bottle.

MoD operations manger Major Gerry Collins said: "The device has now been taken away by scenes of crimes officers at Essex Police for further examination.

"The aluminium powder in the bottle was dry and therefore it did not look like it had been washed ashore.

"Aluminium powder is not available to the public - that's for sure. It is something that can be found in home-made devices."

The bottle was discovered on Shoebury East Beach by a tourist who later became suspicious and handed it in to the nearby Ministry of Defence complex.

A forensic examination was later conducted on the device before it was taken away for further tests by Essex Police.

A police spokesman said: "This bottle resembled an improvised explosive device. Bomb disposal experts called in to examine the device found it to be incomplete and of indeterminable nature.

"Officers are now making inquiries to establish the exact nature and origin of the device."

Today, Major Collins said the MoD had so far decided against stepping up security around the New Ranges. He said the MoD had so far decided against stepping up security around the New Ranges.

Though operations at the base have been scaled down in recent months, weapons testing still takes place there.

Major Collins added: "We are not increasing security at the present time, but we do have routine external patrols in the area."

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