Experts are preparing to examine the contents of what appeared to be an oil drum, washed ashore at Porthmeor beach, St Ives, yesterday(Saturday.)

Firefighters wearing gas-tight chemical protection suits recovered the 90-litre drum at low tide, in an operation lasting several hours. Part of the beach had to be cordoned off and the incident attracted a crowd of onlookers.

Firefighters said the precautions were routine – but necessary – when dealing with unknown substances which could be potentially dangerous. The contents of the drum are not yet known.

Pic: Porthmeor Beach, Cafe Bar & Surf School, St Ives