Army bomb disposal experts called to Harborough to investigate suspected wartime weapons on the riverbank near Lidl

Army bomb disposal experts were called to Market Harborough to investigate a wartime weapons scare late last night (Tuesday).

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists were called in by police amid fears that a mortar artillery weapon had been found on the banks of the River Welland near the Lidl store.

The Army’s bomb disposal unit examined the “item” before quickly establishing that it wasn’t a mortar device – as it turned out to be an old car part dumped by the river.

The unusual drama started on Kettering Road just before midnight last night.

“Officers were called at 11.28pm yesterday (Tuesday) by a member of the public to Kettering Road, Little Bowden, following concern regarding an item which had been found in the river nearby earlier that day.

“The item had been left on the riverbank and it was reported it may be a mortar device,” said Leicestershire Police today.

“Police attended the area and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were called.

“EOD confirmed the item was not as reported and removed the item.

“No properties were evacuated during the incident.”