Live hand grenade found in North Yorkshire garden

North Yorkshire Police were called at 2.20pm by workmen who unearthed the device while working at a property on Maclagan Road, Bishopthorpe.

A 100 meter cordon was placed around the area and local roads were closed. Emergency crews including an Army bomb disposal team from Catterick Garrison were at the scene this afternoon.

One resident posted a message on Twitter saying: “Just been told to keep my doors and windows closed and I may have to be evacuated due to the suspected bomb found in Bishopthorpe.”

At 5.30pm police confirmed that the device is a live hand grenade and that an Army bomb disposal unit “have taken the device away to be safely disposed of in a field”.

A spokeswoman added: “The cordons will be lifted shortly. Police have thanked local residents for their patience and understanding while the emergency services dealt with the incident.”