Bomb Experts Deal With WW2 Shell Found In Benfleet

19 January 2015, 12:27 | Updated: 19 January 2015, 12:38

Bomb disposal experts have carried out a controlled explosion near Billericay on a shell found by a man with a metal detector.

The man had made the discovery in Benfleet yesterday and then decided to take it home on High Road in Laindon.

He then became concerned about the condition of the shell and raised the alarm.

On closer inspection, it turned out the shell was a Second World War-vintage 20mm High Explosive Shell which still contained explosives.

It was taken to be stored a the Barleylands Recycling Centre overnight and then destroyed in a controlled explosion in fields near Billericay at 9.45am today by a bomb disposal team from Colchester Troop, 621 Squadron, 11 EOD Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.

An Army spokesman said: "Destroying the shell was the safest thing to do in the circumstances, as old ammunition can be quite unstable.

"It item was both stored and moved safely and securely before being blown up.

"We would encourage the public to raise the alarm if they do have concerns about any suspect items they find and not to touch them. It is better to be safe than sorry."