Roads closed in bomb scare

A pensioner caused roads to be sealed off in the rush hour after walking into Kidderminster police station with a live Second World War bomb.

An army bomb disposal unit was called after the man handed it in at the front counter and it was decided the unstable device posed a "substantial explosive threat".

Streets including Mason Road and Habberley Road were cordoned off and closed to traffic.

Families in 15 houses near the Habberley Road station, which was also closed, were told to stay indoors.

Staff, patients and visitors at Kemp Hospice in Mason Road were also told to remain inside. The roads remained closed for 90 minutes while the unit worked to make the British mortar round safe.The man, who was from Kidderminster, had been keeping the device in his mother's shed for the past three months. It is believed he may have found it during a house clearance.

Insp Mark Ashford said: "Devices of this nature are often still found and even after many years can pose a serious threat." He warned anyone who comes across a similar device not to move it. They should contact police immediately.

It is the second time someone has handed in a Second World War device to staff at Kidderminster police station during the past year.

Last September, a woman caused the site to be evacuated after she took in a live grenade.

By Heather Large