The Royal Navy's bomb disposal team was called out to Ayr beach.

HM Coastguard officers also responded to the alert at about 10am on Wednesday.

A controlled explosion was carried out to destroy a military smoke marker washed up on shore.

A coastguard spokesman said the device was a flare-style smoke marker, which is traditionally used to signpost positions at sea.

He added: "It was blown up as a precautionary measure."

Locals said the blast was heard as far as two miles away.

The popular beach was re-opened to the public at 3.30pm.