Search for suspected hand grenades found in canal

Police say two of the suspected hand grenades were left on the bank of the canal

Police are searching for five suspected hand grenades found in a canal by a magnet fisher.

The man found a total of seven devices in the canal on Lea End Lane in Hopwood, Worcestershire, on Friday evening, according to West Mercia Police.

While two were left on the bank and have since been detonated, the force said it appeared the man had left the area with the other five.

"Detailed and thorough" searches and CCTV inquiries are taking place in the area and the man, described as about 50 years old with grey hair and wearing green trousers, is urged to contact officers immediately and not to move the items further.

West Mercia Police said the man who found them may not be aware of the significant safety risk they pose and they are appealing to him to call 999 so that they can be made safe as soon as possible.

'Threat to public'

The force said it was alerted to the grenades at about 18:00 BST on Friday.

Ch Supt Damian Pettit said: "Our priority is the safety of our communities, and it is vital the person who may have these devices does not move them and contacts the police immediately."

"I am appealing to both the man directly and anyone who may have information that would help identify him, to contact us. It is imperative that these devices are found and the potential threat they could pose to the public is removed.

"My priority is to avoid harm to that person or anyone who may come within proximity to the grenades knowingly or unknowingly. Please do not fear any consequences of contacting the police."

Anyone who sees the man is asked not to approach him and to call 999.

A cordon put in place while the devices left on the bank were detonated has since been lifted.