Golf course reopens after WW2 bomb alert stood down

A golf course has reopened after a suspected World War Two bomb found on the site was identified as a starter motor from a tank.

Stoneham Golf Club near Southampton was evacuated on Monday afternoon after a dumper truck driver noticed a metal object in a mound of rubble.

Bomb disposal experts later declared the item to be safe.

Club chairman James Pearson said it may have come from one of the American tanks that were stationed at the golf club prior to the D-Day landings.

The object was identified as a starter motor from a WW2 tank

In a text message to members on Monday, the club said the course had a "history of bombs landing there during World War Two".

It continued: "These bombs were often released by planes returning from missions to ensure they landed safely."

Mr Pearson said the object was now thought to have been unearthed on the site.

Previously, it was feared it had been delivered by lorry in a consignment of soil, members were told.

The digger was being used to construct a reservoir near the 18th green, Mr Pearson added.