Navy bomb disposal experts destroy explosive mortar handed in to Paignton charity shop
A suspected military ordnance has been safely destroyed after being handed to a Paignton charity shop
An explosive mortar handed into a charity shop in Paignton has been safely detonated by bomb disposal experts.
Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operators from the Royal Navy’s Bravo Squadron, based at HM Naval Base Devonport in Plymouth, were called to the British Heart Foundation shop to assess the item.
The team identified it as a British 3-inch high-explosive mortar and after determining it was safe to relocate, the mortar was transported to Goodrington Beach for a controlled detonation.
Lieutenant Matt Bowden, Officer in Charge of Bravo Unit One, and on scene today said: “The Royal Navy Bomb Disposal team from HMNB Devonport was called to investigate suspected ordnance discovered in Paignton today.
"The item was identified as a British 3-inch high-explosive mortar. Once my team had assessed it as safe to move, we transported it to Goodrington Beach, where it was safely destroyed in a controlled explosion.
"Incidents like this highlight the importance of contacting the authorities if you discover any suspected military ordnance and not attempting to handle it yourself.”