POLICE have not yet uncovered evidence suggesting the hand grenade left in Southend Hospital was a 'malicious attack', to town's top officer has said.
Investigations are continuing into how the bomb came to be left at the hospital yesterday.
Police were alerted just before 3.45pm after it was discovered on the first floor of the hospital tower block.
A bomb disposal team from Colchester Troop, 621 Squadron, 11 EOD Regiment Royal Logistic Corps was called out to Southend Hospital just after 4pm on Wednesday 11 February.
The alarm had been raised after the discovery of a suspected hand grenade. On inspection, it was found to be a Second World War-vintage US Mark 2 High Explosive grenade and recovered for safe disposal. The all-clear was given at 6.30pm.
An Army spokesman said: "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."
Officers evacuated part of the building, cordons were put in place and army bomb disposal experts made the grenade safe before taking it away for testing.
Chief Inspector Simon Anslow said: "From our investigation so far there is no indication that this was a malicious attack against the hospital or anyone working or being treated there.
"I would like to thank staff, patients and visitors at the hospital for their co-operation yesterday in what was a fast-moving situation. Thanks to them, police and other emergency services were able to work quickly to assess the level of danger and work to keep staff, visitors and a number of vulnerable patients safe.
"Once the grenade was made safe and taken away, we made sure there were no other items of concern in the area before the hospital was re-opened. The hospital is open and working as normal today.
"Our investigation into how the grenade came to be in the hospital continues and if anyone has any information or saw anything suspicious they should contact Southend CID on 101.”
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