Coastguard teams have been called out twice to investigate a 'very sharp metal spike' which has mysteriously appeared in the wave breaks at Pakefield Beach.

HM Coastguard Lowestoft and Southwold rescue officers first responded to reports of an object in the surf around 6.30pm on Thursday, September 21.

An unknown object was said to be causing alarm to members of the public.

However, due to the rising tide the team was unable to locate and investigate the object further, so stood down.

They returned today at 5.50am and managed to locate the object – a metal spike pointing towards the beach.

Again, due to the rising tide the team were forced to stand down before more action was taken.

David Burwood, rescue officer, said: 'The best way I can describe it is as looking like a javelin that is perhaps an inch to an inch and a half in diameter.

'Members of the public alerted us as they were concerned that somebody could become impaled on the spike.'

Teams will return at low tide this evening to ascertain exactly what the object is and how best to remove it.

There were initial concerns the object could be unexploded ordnance from the Second World War.

Mr Burwood said: 'Due to bombs that were dropped all along the east coast that has to be investigated as a possibility.

'While there was a potential for it to be ordnance the initial investigation has deemed that it is not.'

The coastguard is advising the public to be cautious when entering the water at Pakefield Beach because at present the area is not marked.

The spike is directly adjacent to the Arbor Lane entrance steps to the beach.

Mr Burwood added: 'If people do wish to swim or enter the water we request to leave at least 50m either north or south of the step to ensure they are not at risk.'