Second World War grenade discovered in Headley hedge detonated by MoD

Villagers said "Earth shook" following loud bang

A live, Second World War hand grenade discovered in a Headley hedge yesterday (Tuesday) was detonated in a controlled explosion in a nearby field in the north Hampshire village.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman confirmed police were called to the Hampshire/Berkshire border, at the northbound junction of Thornford Road and Thornfield at 2.41pm, after a passer-by reported the discovery of a suspicious object in a hedge.

Initially thought to be a practice weapon, the four inch grenade was later established as live ammunition, after police notified the MoD and specialist officers were called in.

A controlled explosion was then carried out in a nearby field, according to police.

An MoD spokeswoman confirmed the grenade was from the Second World War and that specialist officers had carried out the controlled explosion at 6.30pm.

No-one was hurt, with no arrests, police confirmed.

Several Headley villagers reported hearing a loud bang, and that the earth 'shook' at the time of the explosion.

A Headley villager, who did not want to be named, reported seeing MoD personnel and police in the area, on returning from work.

Police closed the incident at 7.33pm.