A seagoing ice cream van has brought into Poole Harbour what is believed to be a Second World War mine. The coastal cornet vendor picked up the mine this morning in Studland Bay and reported the find to the Coastguard.

The Coastguard describes the object as ‘about 2.5 feet long; six inches in diameter and has four fins.’ A plate on the side reads ‘GH & Co Ltd 1942’ and carries the number UD 56.

Watch Manager Sarah Etheridge, on duty at Portland Coatguard, said: “There is presently a 300m exclusion zone around the item and it is affecting traffic within the Harbour. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) has now arrived from Portsmouth and is being taken to the site in order to deal with the item.

“Fortunately the weather is fine, sunny and calm. Ferry companies have been informed and the Poole Harbour Authority is presently broadcasting security messages locally.”