ARMY bomb experts descended on Windermere to detonate unexploded Second World War flares found on the lakebed.

Police have called for vigilance after recreational divers came across the 30cm devices and raised the alarm.

Military explosives experts have not ruled out the possibility there could be further flares in the lake and said, if disturbed and brought to the surface, the 6cm diameter objects could have caused severe injuries and burns.

The flares were described as live military pyrotechnic signalling devices and were designed to attract attention in case of an emergency.

After carrying out exploratory dives, an army bomb disposal unit, Cumbria Police, Lake District National Park warden Steve Tatlock and South Lakeland District Council lake warden Martin Dodgson cordoned off the area near Blakeholme on the south east shore of the lake.

At 11.30am on Tuesday, a piercing explosion rang out as the flares were destroyed five metres below the surface using P4 plastic explosive.

Lieutenant Boz Zamboni, of 33 Engineer Regiment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, which is based near Cambridge, said the operation had been a success.

“We set off two charges – the first to scare off wildlife such as fish and the second to actually dispose of the devices. Usually in this sort of situation we would expect to see some fish floating on the surface afterwards but there haven’t been any. It went very well.” Windermere was used as a military training ground as early as World War One and Lt Boz Zamboni’s team, which included Stf Sgt Jack Rae, Cpl Harry Harris and “ Pinchy” Finch, have not ruled out the possibility there could be further explosives beneath the water and plan to return for a full inspection of the area.

Lt Zamboni said: “It is possible that there may be more of these devices on the bed of the lake. As such they pose a minimal danger to the public and the environment, however if they are located they should not be touched.” The lake attracts thousands of visitors every year, including people who venture underwater to explore Windermere’s shelves and ledges.

PC David Hall of Ambleside Police urged recreational divers to alert police immediately if they found anything unusual in the lake.

“They (the flares) are not dangerous so long as they are left there and not touched but we were concerned if other divers found them and brought them to the surface, it could be pretty dangerous. If anyone sees anything unusual they should mark the area and contact police.” Police have also refused to name the exact place the explosives were discovered in a bid to deter people diving to look for them.