Bomb disposal experts have been sent to a Suffolk recycling centre for the second time today after Second World War bombs were found among a consignment of scrap metal.

Police were called on two occasions this afternoon following separate discoveries.

The first incident happened shortly after midday.

However, once the drama appeared to be over officers were called again and have now returned to Sackers recycling centre in Great Blakenham, near Claydon, after another batch of bombs were found in mid-afternoon.

Suffolk Constabulary said when they were originally contacted just three devices were found and dealt with by bomb disposal experts.

The devices were discovered while staff were sifting through a consignment of waste which had been left at the site.

Disposal experts from Colchester Garrison were contacted.

Part of the centre was kept clear while the first incident was dealt with.

However, after the bomb disposal experts left the recycling plant police were called again to report another seven, or possibly more devices, had been found.

David Dodds, managing director of the site, said: “It is the first time in my 30-plus year career I have had to call the bomb squad out. It has never ever happened to me.

“The health and safety of all staff and the surrounding area is the most important thing.

“Our procedure was spot on, and I am relieved everything ended safely. It could have been a very unpleasant outcome.

“Everyone was so professional, and the vigilance of my staff was fantastic.”

Charlotte Parker, a spokesman for Suffolk Constabulary, said: “We were called at approximately 12.10pm after a waste recycling site found three devices amongst scrap metal.

“Officers attended the site just outside Ipswich along with bomb disposal experts and they have confirmed the devices were air drop bombs.

“The devices were not believed to contain explosive and were taken away.”

A Ministry of Defence spokesman at Colchester Garrison confirmed explosive experts had been sent to the site.

He said: “We were called about 12.40pm. Staff saw a couple of items in a consignment of metal which turned out to be three World War Two practice aircraft bombs.”

The spokesman said as there was no explosive material in the devices no one had been in any danger.

They were recovered and were due to be safely disposed of by the bomb disposal team.

However, subsequently staff at Sackers then made their second call to police.

All but one of the items were dealt with, while the final device will be destroyed by a controlled explosion tomorrow morning.