Australian Defence Force discover old navy flare at Lighthouse Beach after bomb scare

The Australian Defence Force were called to a popular tourist beach on the NSW north coast after a bomb scare that saw the area evacuated.

Defence force personnel have determined an object that washed up on shore at a popular Port Macquarie beach is not a bomb, despite initial concerns by police.

A New South Wales Police spokesman told NCA NewsWire officers from the Mid North Coast Police District received a call regarding an object found at Lighthouse Beach about 9am.

The Australian Defence Force were called in to assist, amid fears it was a bomb, but quickly determined the item was an old naval flare.

Initial inquiries have indicated it has been in the water for many years.

A bomb has reportedly washed ashore at Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie.

The item posses no risk and will be further examined by the ADF.

Members of the public are reminded not to approach any suspicious objects they may locate and to immediately contact Triple Zero.

Port Macquarie lifeguards posted on social media on Saturday that a section of Lighthouse Beach had been closed after the item, originally thought to be a bomb, was discovered.

Beachgoers are urged to stay away, as the beach will be closed for some time.

More to come.

Originally published as Australian Defence Force discover old navy flare at Lighthouse Beach after bomb scare