EXPERTS in explosive ordnance disposal were called to Pershore on Sunday (September 21) when a magnet fisher caught more than they bargained for.
An area of recreation ground alongside the river Avon behind Pershore Leisure Centre was cordoned off by police when a Second World War bomb was fished from the water.
A spokesperson from West Mercia Police said: “We were called to King George’s Way in Pershore at around 12.35pm yesterday afternoon after an unexploded ordnance was found by a member of the public.
“A cordon was put in place as a precaution.
“Experts from explosive ordnance disposal attended the scene and conducted a controlled explosion to make the device safe.”
The Observer understands that officers and the bomb squad had left the scene by 3pm.
Magnet fishing is generally legal in the UK, however, there are often specific regulations and restrictions depending on the location and local authorities.
The Canal & Rivers Trust explicitly prohibits magnet fishing due to its high risk, so fishers might be subject to a £25 fine for magnet-fishing or removing any material from canal or inland navigation under its control.
Pershore Town Council does not permit either metal detecting or magnet fishing on or off the banks of any of its land explicitly because of the risk of discovering ordinance.
This includes King George’s Field and Avon Meadows.
