A Second World War hand grenade has been destroyed in a controlled explosion after being handed in at Felixstowe Police Station by a member of the public.

Police officers immediately called the bomb disposal team, based at Colchester, to take away the explosive which was later revealed as a No.36 hand grenade.

An Army spokesman said: A bomb disposal team from Colchester Troop, 621 Squadron, 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment Royal Logistic Corps was called out to Felixstowe on Thursday, January 18.

“The alarm had been raised after a suspected item of munitions was found by a member of the public, who took it to Felixstowe Police Station.

“On inspection, it was found to be a Second World War-vintage No.36 grenade.

“It was destroyed in a controlled explosion on the beach at approximately 2pm.

He added: “Destroying the grenade was the safest thing to do in the circumstances, as old ammunition can be quite unstable.

“We would encourage the public to raise the alarm if they do have concerns about any suspect items they find and not to touch them. It is better to be safe than sorry.”

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said: “Earlier today a member of the public handed in a suspicious device to Felixstowe Police Station, before it was then taken away by the Army bomb disposal squad and disposed of in a safe and controlled manner near the beach in the Felixstowe area earlier this afternoon.”