THE Coastguard service dealt with an object washed up in Grays yesterday (Saturday, 25 July) that residents feared might be unexploded ordnance.

The lengthy tube was spotted by residents on the River Thames' edge near Thurrrock Yacht Club and emergency services were alerted.

It was treated as no laughing matter by police and fire services but after checks the Coastguard dealt with the situation was determined not to pose a danger.

A statement from Essex Police says: "The Coastguard had control of the incident and maintained a cordon but their initial assessment was it was an NOS cannister. They did not require further assistance."

A statement from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "HM Coastguard responded to reports of possible ordnance in Grays yesterday, 25 July.

"First informed at around 8.30pm, Canvey Island Coastguard Rescue Team and a lifeboat from Gravesend RNLI were sent to the scene, alongside police and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit.

"EOD confirmed it was a false alarm and not ordnance, and HM Coastguard's response was stood down."

Essex Fire & Rescue also confirmed they were alerted but were not needed.

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An NOS canister is a pressurized metal cylinder containing food-grade nitrous oxide (N₂O), commonly known as cream chargers. Inhaling N₂O, commonly known as laughing gas, has become something of a craze for young people, though they usually use very small cylinders used for drinks dispensers or smaller hand held tubes of the gas.