PART of a beach had to be evacuated yesterday (Tuesday) for police to detonate an explosive device said to contain red phosphorus.
It was dragged ashore by the Guardia Civil and fire brigade after a diver found it off the beach in Salobreña (Granada province).
Given the device's extremely sensitive and chemically-toxic nature, the whole of the beach, the seafront esplanade and even nearby apartments had to be emptied of people.
The beach was then cordoned off so it could be blown up under controlled conditions.
At present, part of the shore is still shut to bathers in case remains of phosphorus are still in the area.
Phosphorus, when coming into contact with oxygen, lights up enough that any left on the sand would be seen from the seafront promenade.
It is used in some chemical reactions as a reductor and also in matches to allow them to ignite when they come into contact with potassium chloride, and in fire-crackers.
Nobody has been injured in the operation, emergency services have assured.
