Searches continue to locate suspected hand grenades found in canal

Our search to safely locate five potentially viable hand grenades found in a canal in Worcestershire has continued overnight and into today (Saturday 21 June).

The man who found them may not be aware of the significant safety risk they pose and we are appealing to him to call 999 so that they can be made safe as soon as possible.

Chief Superintendent Damian Pettit said: “Extensive searches and CCTV enquiries are being carried out so that we can locate these suspected hand grenades and make them safe.

“Our priority is the safety of our communities, and it is vital the person who may have these devices does not move them and contacts the police immediately.

“I am appealing to both the man directly and anyone who may have information that would help identify him, to contact us. It is imperative that these devices are found and the potential threat they could pose to the public is removed.

“My priority is to avoid harm to that person or anyone who may come within proximity to the grenades knowingly or unknowingly. Please do not fear any consequences of contacting the police”

Police were alerted, at around 6pm yesterday evening (Friday 20 June) , that seven suspected hand grenades had been discovered by a man magnet fishing in the canal on Lea End Lane in Hopwood, Worcestershire.

Whilst two were left on the bank, it appears the man left the area with a number of other devices.

The devices on the bank were safely detonated by Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

The initial description we have of the man is that he is around 50 years old with grey hair. At the time of the discovery he was wearing green trousers.

He may be a frequent magnet fisher in the area and we ask anyone who may know of people in this community to contact police as soon as possible.

Anyone with information that could help us locate them is urged to call 999 immediately.

Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://orlo.uk/dIakS