A COLCHESTER beauty spot was reportedly "evacuated" after an "unexploded grenade" was found to have washed up in the area.
Over the weekend, Essex Police's city centre team responded to reports from the Castle Park rangers of an old unexploded grenade washing up on the river bank in the park.
The incident, believed to be on Sunday at about midday, saw an area of the park evacuated, according to a member of the public.
Speaking to the Gazette, they said: "Castle Park was evacuated by the police and army.
"I was with my daughter at the duck pond and four to five officers turned up and told everyone there to leave immediately.
"Then two army officers showed up just after with some sort of equipment."
After attending and liaising with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the military, Essex Police said the device was found to be an old Second World War grenade.
The team assisted while a controlled explosion was carried out.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here