World War Two grenades blown up after being found in Blyth field

Police and army bomb disposal experts were called to the South Newsham area of Blyth on Sunday (September 20) morning after two suspected grenades were uncovered in farmland.

The devices were found by members of metal detecting group True North Detecting, with emergency services called to the scene shortly after 10am.

Northumbria Police officers attended alongside an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, with the objects later confirmed to be World War Two hand grenades.

A field at the side of South Newsham Road, Blyth (Image: GOOGLE)

A controlled detonation was carried out at around 2pm, and police said there was no risk to the wider public.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 10am today (Sunday), we received a report from a member of the public who was using a metal detector in a field in the South Newsham area of Blyth.

“It was reported that two metal objects had been located, both believed to be grenades.

“Officers attended the scene alongside the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

“The items were identified as World War Two hand grenades.

“The devices were safely disposed of by the EOD team through a controlled detonation.

“There was no risk to the wider public.”

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) also confirmed that the devices were Mills grenades.

An Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from 521 Squadron responded to the incident.

The squadron is a specialist unit of the 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Regiment RLC within the British Army’s Royal Logistic Corps.

An EOD operator identified the grenades before they were safely disposed of by demolition.