Live WWII Bomb Uncovered in Warwickshire Garden During Burglary Investigation
A live World War Two bomb was discovered in a Midland garden after a homeowner reported a break-in at their property. The unexpected find occurred in Grandborough, Warwickshire, last week, adding a dramatic twist to a routine burglary investigation.
Police Officer Stumbles Upon Explosive Discovery
Rugby police constable Seb Payne was called to the scene with other officers to speak to the landowner about stolen antiques. While checking for evidence of the break-in, the homeowner casually mentioned they had some WW2 shells that the thieves had left behind.
PC Payne inspected the shells and immediately recognized the danger, prompting an urgent call to the bomb disposal unit. He later remarked, "You take the proper precautions, clear the area and make sure everyone's safe but I never worry. If they've been around for 80 years without going off they're probably ok. To be honest I'd only get nervous if someone started kicking them!"
Bomb Disposal Team Swiftly Responds
The bomb disposal team raced to the location and confirmed that one of the shells was indeed still live. They safely removed the ordnance for disposal, allowing the burglary enquiries to resume. A Warwickshire Police spokesperson expressed surprise at the incident, stating, "Every now and then something happens that takes even us by surprise. Bomb disposal raced over and found one of the shells was, in fact, still live. So they took it away for safe disposal, allowing the burglary enquiries to continue."
The spokesperson added, "Though having a burglary investigation temporarily halted to clear out ordnance from the Second World War is a new one, he didn't let it phase him. In policing, expecting the unexpected comes with the territory."
Incident Highlights Unusual Police Challenges
This extraordinary event underscores the unpredictable nature of police work, where routine calls can quickly escalate into high-stakes situations. The discovery of live WWII ordnance in a residential garden serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impacts of historical conflicts on local communities.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the stolen antiques or the ongoing burglary investigation, but the safe removal of the bomb ensured no immediate danger to the public. Residents in the area have been reassured by the prompt and professional response from both local police and bomb disposal experts.
