Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion in Stevenage this evening after a suspected Second World War hand grenade was found in a shed.
Police were called to Hydean Way at 1.15pm this afternoon after the suspected grenade was discovered, with a specialist explosive ordnance disposal unit also heading to the scene to assess the device.
They took it to Fairlands Valley Park, where a force spokeswoman said they carried out a controlled explosion this evening.
There were two detentions, which eyewitness Ben Williams told the Comet was because “the first detonation was only partial – they completed a second, which was all that was needed”.
Former special constable Ben said: “I’d been over in the field about 20 minutes prior walking the dog, and saw all the police there.
“Bomb disposal drove past as I left, but they were awaiting the council to open the barriers. I took the dog home and went back and they’d closed the park off and moved people back.
“The explosions were pretty loud – there was no warning that they were about to complete the explosions and a lot of black smoke was seen for a short while after.”
The park was completely closed to the public while the device was dealt with, and reopened just before 8.30pm.
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