A World War Two hand grenade was safely detonated after it was discovered in a house in the Marygate area of York.
The device, which contained highly explosive material, was taken to Water End on the outskirts of the city, where it was disposed of via a controlled explosion by Army bomb disposal experts.
North Yorkshire Police were alerted at around 3.20pm on Tuesday 8 March 2011 by workmen undertaking a house clearance on St Marys.
During the clearance two grenades were discovered, one of which was empty and one which was live.
Officers cordoned off the property and kept members of the public clear of the scene, however it was not necessary for the road to be closed.
The devices were inspected by firearms officers who called in the Army Explosive Ordinance Division from Catterick. They arrived at around 5pm and safely transported the grenades to Water End, where they conducted a controlled explosion as police made the area safe for members of the public.
Sergeant Iain Sirrell, of York Police, said: “The discovery of such items is not a regular occurrence, but it does happen from time to time.
“In this instance the people who discovered the item did exactly the right thing by immediately calling the police.
“The Army bomb disposal unit are always called to assist with such incidents as they have the necessary expertise and equipment.
“On this occasion they deemed it necessary to carefully remove the hand grenades to a safe area and carry out a controlled explosion.
“The single explosion was certainly loud enough to be heard across the north and west of York and people should not be concerned if they did hear it.”
