Factory workers were evacuated

Prior to the explosion, shipping was being stopped from approaching the area and a cordon was erected to prevent pedestrians and traffic from entering.

Angus Council set up a reception area at Montrose Leisure Centre for people evacuated from their homes.

Transport was also arranged to help the elderly and infirm travel from their homes to the facility.

Former merchant seaman Hilton Corral, 74, and his wife Kay, of Ferryden, Montrose, were among those evacuated to the centre.

Local evacuation

Mr Corral said: "We heard about this last night when the police came round with leaflets telling us we had to be out by 10am today.

"We weren't going to come at all. I was in the Merchant Navy for 15 years after joining in 1943 so bombs going off didn't bother me. But the police said we had to go so that's what we did.

"There was no firing of shells here that I was ever aware of and although there was German bombing during the war, this is a naval shell, I understand.

"I reckon somebody brought it back here as a souvenir or it was washed up. I don't know if it's gone off yet. I haven't heard anything."