Demolition of stricken dredger in Devon completed

Oil, petrol and asbestos were removed from the 600-tonne vessel before it was dismantled

The demolition of a 600-tonne stricken ship in north Devon has been completed, the Environment Agency says.

The former dredger the Severn Sands slipped its moorings on a high tide at Fremington on the River Taw in September, beaching near Yelland Quay.

The agency said the last piece had been removed from the foreshore, following an operation that began in October.

The agency said it worked with North Devon Council and contractors to remove the vessel and its contents.

Hazardous materials that had to be removed from the vessel included oil, petrol and asbestos.