Bomb squad called after historic explosive found in Salford garden

A bomb disposal unit carried out a controlled explosion in Salford after part of an old artillery shell was discovered in a garden. This incident highlights the enduring risks of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and the importance of swift action when explosive objects are found.

A local homeowner uncovered what turned out to be the cone of a timer from a historic artillery round while clearing rubble in their garden. Realising the potential danger, they immediately contacted the police, who then alerted the Army’s bomb disposal unit. The unit conducted a controlled explosion on a grassy patch of land along Agecroft Road in Agecroft.

A police spokesperson commented: “We were called at about 12pm this afternoon to reports that an old artillery shell had been found at a property in Salford. It turns out it was part of the cone of a timer of an old artillery round. We alerted the bomb disposal unit, and a safe, controlled explosion was carried out on a patch of woodland nearby.”

Nearby residents reported hearing the sound of the explosion during the operation. Thankfully, no injuries or property damage occurred.

An MoD spokesperson added: “The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit from Chester were called at about 1:50pm this afternoon. They attended and carried out a controlled explosion nearby on a safe site. The explosive was historical in nature, probably from World War Two.”

The ongoing legacy of historic UXO

Incidents like this serve as a reminder that UXO from past conflicts remains a potential hazard. While most discoveries occur during construction, gardening, or excavation work, anyone who finds a suspicious item should always follow these safety steps:

Do not touch or move the item. Even old explosives can be unstable and dangerous.

Clear the area. Keep people and pets away from the object.

Call the authorities. Contact the police immediately for professional assistance.

Brimstone UXO services

At Brimstone, we understand the importance of proactive UXO risk management. Our tailored services ensure your projects can proceed safely and efficiently. Whether you require a risk assessment, survey or investigation, our expert team is here to help mitigate risks and keep your site secure.

We specialise in addressing the challenges posed by historic explosives, providing peace of mind to homeowners, construction teams, and businesses alike. With decades of combined expertise, Brimstone is your trusted partner in UXO risk mitigation.

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