The A361 has been closed by police after the discovery of an explosive device.
Police were called to reports of a suspected grenade having been fished out of the River Thames in Lechlade, just north of Highworth, this afternoon.
An exclusion zone has been put in place in the vicinity of the find.
Bomb disposal experts are understood to have been informed and will be attending the scene in due course.
The small bomb was discovered in the water at around 3pm. At this early stage it’s not clear who found it or how.
Several of Wiltshire 999s’ readers report a heavy police presence in the area, with cordons in place.
In a post on Facebook, The Riverside pub confirmed their temporary closure: “Unfortunately there is an unexploded grenade in the field opposite the pub so we will be closed until approximately 6pm this evening while the police deal with it.”
UPDATE 5PM: Gloucestershire Constabulary has released the following statement:
“Cordons are in place after a man who was fishing with a magnet in Lechlade discovered what is thought to be a grenade.
“As a safety precaution we’ve put road closures in place while we’re awaiting the arrival of Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
“The discovery was made near to the Halfpenny Bridge after it was retrieved from the River Thames.
“Road closures are in place on the A361 Lechlade Road from the town to the Bridge House Campsite to both pedestrians and vehicles while police are in attendance.
“The Riverside, Lechlade has also been evacuated due to its location falling within the cordon.”
UPDATE 6.15PM: Gloucestershire Constabulary has confirmed the area as safe and cordons have been lifted.
“The EOD has attended and the grenade destroyed in a controlled explosion. Closures are being lifted and local residents will be pleased to hear that The Riverside pub has been reopened”, a force spokesperson said.
