World War Two shell found in Cornish stream

People were evacuated from homes in Cornwall after unexploded World War Two bomb was found.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers received reports of the device being discovered in a stream near Penberthy Road in Portreath at about 11:50 GMT.

The force said the road was closed and residents living inside a 100m (330ft) cordon set up at the scene had been moved from their homes.

A Facebook post from Camborne, Pool and Redruth Police said the device was a 12lbs (5.5kg) high-explosive shell and a Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team carried out a controlled explosion on Portreath Beach.

"Thank you to all the residents and businesses that we spoke with and evacuated in Portreath," police said.

"The site has now been fully cleared and the area is safe to access again."

A navy spokesperson said the item was a "British high explosive projectile" and members of its Bravo Squadron were able to safely destroy it.

Residents whose homes were within the cordon, which was lifted at 16:05, said it was "a surprise" to be told a explosive device had been found.

Sue Percy said: "I just grabbed the dog and the newspaper to read because I wasn't sure how long we'd be out of the house for."

Fellow resident Jeremy Benjamin - who said he ended up staying at his home - added: "It took us by surprise because you don't expect a police officer to come to your door in the middle of the afternoon and expect you to leave your house."

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