A County Durham A-road was closed, and the Ministry of Defence's bomb squad called after an unexploded bomb was found on a beach. 

Durham Police confirmed that the A182 was closed between Noses Point car park and Byron Place shopping centre.

This is the second time this stretch of road has been closed today. It was closed but then reopened earlier this afternoon. 

A loud explosion was heard in Seaham as the device was safely detonated underwater. 

The road has since reopened.

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here. 

A spokesperson from Durham Police said: "The A182 at Seaham, between Noses Point car park and Byron Place shopping centre is currently closed again.

"This is in relation to an incident being managed by HM Coastguard on the beach following the discovery of some unexploded ordnance.

"An MOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal team is currently at the location and it is expected that the item will be dealt with appropriately underwater within the next hour - this will result in a loud explosion being heard locally."

In an updated statement, the police force said: "The item has now been safely disposed of and the road and car park are now open."