‘Kneecap’ on beach turns out to be sea potato

Furness Coastguard (FC) were called out on Sunday night to a report of a potential kneecap being washed up on a beach at Earnse Bay, in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

Cumbria Police were also called to the scene, and a search was carried out.

Luckily, the informant had placed a washed-up traffic cone next to the item so it could be easily found, according to the coastguard.

Eerie images show a beige, strange-shaped item among rocks.

When flipped over, a pink flesh-like texture can be seen.

But the coastguard has since said the expected gory discovery appeared instead to be a Sea Pork or a Sea Potato - both are a form of sea urchin.

The report was later closed as both FC and the police agreed it was not a knee cap like reported.

A spokesperson for Furness Coastguard said: "Furness Coastguard were called out tonight to an initial report of a potential body part washed up on the beach at Earnse Bay.

"Cumbria Police were also in attendance and a search was carried out. Luckily the informant had placed a washed up traffic cone next to the item.

"We located the item which appeared to be either Sea Pork or a Sea Potato. Both are a form of sea urchin.

"The team agreed that the item was not a knee cap as originally reported and the Police agreed.

"We would like to thank the informant for raising their concerns and placing a marker next to the item.

"If a traffic cone is not available, please download the What3Words app and this will give you a location accurate to a square.

"If in danger on the coast or one of the four navigable lakes, Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater or Derwent Water, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

The post has since caused a social media storm with one saying they thought it was a "bacon sandwich" or a "ham sandwich".

Another commented: "Reminds me of you with that butternut squash."

One other commented: "Can someone please explain what body part this looks like im so confused."

Another said: "Bloody hell what had they been smoking?"