COASTGUARD rescue teams from Flint and Wirral joined emergency services and bomb disposal teams in Wirral today after a suspicious item washed up on the beach.

Emergency services were called around 1pm today (Monday, September 17) to the promenade near to Maddock Road, Wallasey, following reports of a large gas canister being found in the area.

Residents speculated on social media over the discovery with some suggesting that it could have been a Second World War bomb.

Flint Coastguard Rescue Team posted: “Team tasked by UK Coastguard along with Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team to reports of a washed up object possible ordnance on the beach near to Manor Groyne, Wallasey.

“On scene both teams liaised with Merseyside Police and set up a cordon while more details were ascertained, pictures of the object were taken and sent to our CGOC who passed these on to RLC Bomb Disposal.

“RLC Bomb Disposal confirmed they would be proceeding to our location to investigate further, meanwhile the cordon was extended and part of the promenade closed for obvious reasons. Upon their arrival and after approximately 30 mins of investigations the item was confirmed to be some sort of gas cylinder and was deemed safe, as the cylinder was now on the tide line it was not safe for the item to be removed by relevant agencies so the item remains in position until low tide.

“Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service also attended this incident.”

The emergency services have now stood down.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that emergency services are currently in attendance of Maddock Road this afternoon following reports of a large gas canister being found in the area.

"The cordons adjoining Maddock Road and Egremont Promenade in Wallasey have now been lifted.

"Thanks for your patience."