Formby Beach was evacuated this afternoon after reports of a suspicious object

Police and Coastguard officers evacuated people from Formby beach this afternoon following the discovery of a 'suspicious object'.

The beaches were packed, the National Trust car parks were full and people were told to leave the area as the emergency services rushed to the scene.

The army's bomb disposal unit was also dispatched.

Police sirens were heard all over Formby as they headed to the scene at Lifeboat Road.

A spokeswoman for the Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard has been informed about a suspicious object found on Formby Beach by a member of the public.”

"The area has been cordoned off by Southport and Crosby Coastguard Rescue Teams, Formby lifeguards, Merseyside Police and Formby beach rangers.”

"Explosives and Ordnance Division are on their way to the scene. "

We do not have any further information at this time.