A metallic object washed ashore at Prathaparamapuram beach near Velankanni in Nagapattinam district on Friday, triggering a security alert. The object, suspected to be of foreign origin, was found by local residents.

Personnel from the Coastal Security Group, along with Keelaiyur police, rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. Deputy Superintendent of Police Nixon inspected the site. The object was later handed over to the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) for examination.

According to the police, two pipe-shaped metallic objects, each about 3.5 feet long, were found connected at an angle. The larger pipe had a circumference of about 20 cm, while the smaller measured around 15 cm. The front portion was cone-shaped, and a small LED light was found blinking intermittently. A nylon tube was found attached to the larger pipe.

Officials said a wire was found running through the centre of the pipes.

Following preliminary inspection, the coastal police alerted the Nagapattinam unit of the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, which has taken custody of the object for further examination to determine its nature and origin.

Police said further investigation is under way and the area remains under surveillance as a precautionary measure.