Live ammunition and grenade found in Colchester riverbank
Authorities suspect that the items may have been unearthed by people searching for treasure
Authorities in Colchester have issued a safety warning after the discovery of live ammunition along the riverbank in Castle Park last week.
City center wardens uncovered 20 rounds of historical live ammunition on Friday, April 12. The ammunition was handed over to Essex Police for safe disposal.
Subsequent inspections of the area led to the discovery of a suspected hand grenade submerged in the river on Sunday morning. Police promptly notified Army bomb disposal experts, who safely detonated the device in a controlled environment in Lower Castle Park.
Authorities suspect that the items may have been unearthed by unauthorized individuals searching for treasure. The discoveries have raised serious safety concerns and underscore the risks associated with unauthorized digging along the riverbanks. However, it's emphasized that prior to disturbance, the deeply buried ammunition posed no risk to the public.
In response to the incident, Colchester City Council has taken proactive measures by installing signs along the riverbanks to discourage unauthorized digging and disturbance. Anyone wishing to use a metal detector or dig on council land is reminded to seek permission beforehand.
Authorities continue to investigate the origins of the discovered ammunition and urge the public to report any suspicious items found in the area.