Grenade find leads to police station being evacuated

Buy photos » Peter Davis found more than he bargained for in his friend’s toolbox. Picture by Nick Hands 0412046NHR. Order this picture at www.buyphotos247.com.

REDDITCH Police Station had to be evacuated on Sunday (January 22) after a grenade was handed in at the front desk.

Peter Davis was doing some odd jobs for his friend in Church Hill North when he stumbled across the relic in an old toolbox, which still had its firing pin intact.

He called police to alert them but after being put on hold, the Matchborough resident decided to take the grenade to the station, presenting it at the front desk to the alarm of staff.

He told the Standard: “The woman at the desk was gobsmacked and asked if it was what she thought it was before calling the sergeant as she did not know what to do.

“The look on her face when I handed it over was priceless and I found it quite funny, especially when they evacuated the whole station. It certainly livened up the Sunday a bit.”

It is believed the grenade may have belonged to Barbara Morris’ late partner, as the toolbox belonged to him and he was known as a ‘hoarder’, although he was not in the army.

Mr Davis added: “I was searching for some rawlplugs in the box when I saw the grenade. I was quite calm about it and so was Barbara as I do not think she realised what it was and how dangerous it was.

“It is the first time I have been that close to anything like that and also the last I hope.”

A West Mercia Police spokeswoman confirmed the grenade had been brought to the desk at the Grove Street station at 12.40pm, leading the station to be evacuated, although no houses needed to be cleared.

The bomb disposal team confirmed it would have been from either the First or Second World War but it was safe and staff were able to return to the station after two hours.

“We would advise if anybody does find anything like this to leave it where it is and report it as it could have been very dangerous,” she added.