Boy of seven finds 'practice bomb' on Roydon Common in King's Lynn

The bomb disposal squad was called out in Norfolk after a seven-year-old boy, who got a metal detector for Christmas, went out on Boxing Day and came back with a 11.5lb "practice bomb".

Sonny Carter found the device while out walking on Roydon Common, King's Lynn, with his parents Jem Carter and Tracy Wood, and brother Marley, nine.

When they got home, they realised what it was and called 999.

A bomb disposal unit took away the device. It did not contain explosives.

The bomb dates back to World War II.

Mr Carter said: "He (Sonny) looked for a pot of gold and came out with a bomb.

A bomb disposal unit from RAF Wittering came to remove the device

"He was sweeping the area and within five minutes we heard a beep and then we started digging and found a bomb.

"We didn't realise what it was at first, but obviously we know what it is now.

"Don't know if it was nerves or just me thinking to myself - oh, you're such an idiot bringing a bomb home - it was a weird experience."

He said the bomb disposal unit, which came from nearby RAF Wittering, came and left with the device in about five minutes.

Sonny said: "I was very scared and frightened."

He hopes to find treasure next time and does not want to find another bomb.

An RAF spokesman said: "The idea of a practice bomb is that it follows the trajectory of a larger bomb but at reduced cost and without the damage caused by the normal weapon."

A spokesman for RAF Wittering said: "Members of the public are advised to call 999 and not to move any suspicious item they may find.

"RAF Wittering has a team of experts on 30 minute standby to respond to incidents."