UPDATE: See photo of mystery object above

POLICE evacuated the area around the Cowes Jetty after a ‘bomb like’ object was found in the water near the jetty.

The object, which was believed to be a military-style ordnance was found by a member of the public who alerted police. It has since been identified as a World War II mortar shell.

It was described by an eyewitness as "about 15cm long, cylindrical in shape and about 3cm in diameter with a fin-looking device on the back."

"It looked like some type of small bomb," he said.

"It had been lying on the jetty for quite sometime before police arrive."

Wonthaggi Police Sergeant Shaun Kennedy said Wonthaggi and Cowes police were on the scene and had secured the area while they wait for a bomb expert unit to attend.

“We’re just in a holding pattern at the moment. We’ve evacuated the area out of an abundance of caution and we’re waiting now to see what the experts say,” said Sgt Kennedy.

Local business has so far been unaffected at the end of a busy holiday weekend.

It is believed police were alerted to the incident at about 5pm on Sunday, September 25.

Police media statement:

Police have cordoned off an area surrounding the Cowes pier this afternoon after a suspected ordnance was found by scuba divers about 5pm. It’s believed the two divers were underneath the jetty when they found the device in the water then placed it on the jetty and raised the alarm. Local police have liaised with the Australian Defence Force who are attending the scene.