World War Two artillery shell found in Leamington Spa river

The discovery was made in the river near Mill Gardens

Army bomb disposal experts have carried out a controlled explosion after World War Two ordnance was found in the River Leam in Leamington Spa.

Warwickshire Police closed part of Willes Road around the Mill Gardens park during Sunday's operation.

A group called the Peaky Dippers, that trawls the river with magnets to hunt for metal, said on social media that it made the find.

The roads and the park reopened by 19:00 GMT.

A member of the Peaky Dippers group claimed on Facebook: "There wasn't just one bomb found, there [were] numerous WW1 and WW2 guns, grenades and artillery tips..."

Warwickshire Police confirmed magnet fishers made the find and said the 18-pound British shell was taken back to its Leek Wootton headquarters for safe disposal.

It said the 80-year-old shell "was clearly very well made" and still had the power to "produce one almighty boom and shake the ground after decades under water".

The force also noted: "The Warwickshire Police goalkeeper won't be happy... it was blown up in the six yard box of the pitch."