Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team issued a stark warning last night after flares were found dumped around the field above Gyllyngvase Beach.

On the scene, several flares were found left with one of them not properly activated and found discarded in a bin.

The coastguard described the actions as "reckless" as the flare in the bin could have caused serious injury to someone.

A spokesperson for Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team said:

"Not only is it a criminal offence to fire distress flares in a non-emergency situation, but leaving a 'live' flare in a public bin is incredibly dangerous, it could have ignited at any stage and ended up being an unnecessary call out for our colleagues at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and also could have caused serious injury to anyone emptying the bin or going near it at the time.

"In total, six handheld smoke, three 'smoke and float' and six parachute rockets were fired. Along with one miss fire parachute."

"As part of new Covid-19 regulations, we're asked to stay at home unless absolutely necessary. Only to travel for an essential journey."

The police are now investigating the incident.

See more from the coastguard team here.

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