Lunn said the device puts a controlled electronic field into the water, which dissipates quickly, so there is no permanent damage to the shark.

CNN: Divers embrace anti-shark device

Officers escorted the bomb to a nearby field where a controlled explosion was carried out shortly after 1400 GMT.

BBC: Unexploded WWII bomb found in Balsall Common

The team hopes the laser could be built into a remote-controlled robotic device which could be despatched into a mine field, looking for vapour clouds.

BBC: Plastic lasers shed light on hidden explosives

Taqa, which is an Abu Dhabi government-controlled energy company, has a 60% interest in the field.

BBC: Dana Petroleum reports first oil from North Sea field