A “GRENADE” has been found in Darwen town centre, leading to an an emergency lockdown and the arrival of a bomb disposal unit.
The explosive has been found on a bench in the Lancashire town, with police cordoning off neighbouring streets.
Darwen town centre taped off amid huge emergency service presence,Kirsty Taylor & Natalie Taylor
Darwen town centre taped off amid huge emergency service presence,Kirsty Taylor & Natalie Taylor
An Army bomb disposal unit was at the scene and could be seen working on the item.
One witness told The Sun that a woman had gone into the Heritage Centre to donate items and had inadvertently handed over a grenade with the pin still in it.
Police said in a statement: “We are currently at the scene of an ongoing incident at Market Hall, Croft Street, Darwen.
“Officers are currently at the scene and a cordon is in place.
“We are asking people to avoid the area for now and we will update you in due course.”
The road has been taped off between Wetherspoons and the A666 since about 2pm, according to eyewitnesses.
A woman at a hen’s do across the street in a locked down pub said all the men in uniform was “exciting”.
“What more could a girl ask for all them men in uniform police fire and army and paramedics?”
“Even the bomb squad showed up and gave her a little wave.”
Police entered the pub at about 2.30pm and told no one to leave it.
The Ministry of Defence has been approached for comment.
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