Police cordoned off part of Monkton Park in Chippenham this afternoon (Saturday) after a hand grenade was found by a magnet fisherman.
Officers responded a call from a member of the public after a suspected explosive device being fished out of the River Avon at around 4pm.
The area was taped off while experts from the military’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, colloquially called as the bomb squad, attended the scene.
They arrived shortly after 6pm and following an examination of the item, it was confirmed to be an old practice hand grenade – which has previously been used by the army.
The device – which posed no risk to the public – was removed by the EOD team, and cordons were lifted at 6.20pm.
Wiltshire Police’s initial statement
“Please be aware that Monkton Park in Chippenham is currently closed following the discovery of a suspected hand grenade.
“The suspected munition was reported shortly after 4pm today (06/06) by a member of the public who was magnet fishing in the nearby River Avon.
“Members of the public are advised to stay away from the area to allow a specialist disposal team to attend. The nearby Olympiad Leisure Centre is unaffected and remains open.”
