A young Derry boy has escaped serious injury after he found a Second World War mortar shell on a beach in Northern Ireland.

Police have confirmed that the youngster was lucky not to have been maimed after he examined the device.

Officers have revealed that the boy made the discovery while walking in the area of the shore line around Magilligan on Saturday afternoon.

The UTV website reports that Army bomb experts attended the scene and disposed of the item.

A police spokeswoman said: “A number of these types of shells have been found in the surrounding are in recent months and police believe the young boy who lifted the item is fortunate not to have been badly injured.

“We urge members of the public to be careful of the items they find on the beach or surrounding coastline.

“Police would remind people if they find anything unusual they should not touch it but contact police immediately.”