Fisherman catches possible Second World War shell in River Thames at Pangbourne Meadows

Police closed off an area yesterday after a magnet fisher discovered a suspected Second World War shell.

Thames Valley Police says it received reports of a “suspicious item” found at Pangbourne Meadows yesterday (Sunday) afternoon.

The item is believed to be a shell dating back to the Second World War.

Officers cordoned off the area and waited for bomb disposal to respond.

A TVP spokesperson said: “We received a report of a suspicious item at Pangbourne Meadows, Whitchurch Road, at around 2.40pm yesterday (October 22).

“Officers attended and cordoned off the area while the item was assessed by the Ministry of Defence’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.

“The ordnance was not found to be live.”