AN army bomb disposal team has been called to Ipswich after a 12 inch shell was pulled from the River Orwell this morning.

AN army bomb disposal team was called to Ipswich this morning after reports than an unexploded shell had been pulled from the River Orwell.

The bomb disposal experts were called by the police after the discovery of the shell at the West bank Terminal was reported to them at just before 9.30am.

A police spokesman said: “We were called to West bank Terminal at 9.29am and a bomb disposal unit are on route.

“Munitions were found and it's believed to be the projectile half of the shell.”

However, port owners Associated British Ports (ABP) said the item was not a bomb but was just an old piece of iron uncovered at sea by dredging firm Brett Aggregate, based at the terminal.

A spokesman said: “This was just a piece of iron - it wasn't an explosive. It wasn't even a shell. We have to follow procedures to make sure everyone is safe - we are not ordinances experts.

“Prudence dictates that we follow procedures that entail the police come and take a look, and then bomb disposal come in and take a look.”