Grenade blown up in Norwich in controlled explosion

The explosive device was found in the River Wensum in Hellesdon today (Sunday, September 17) and detonated by the bomb squad in a controlled explosion just before 8pm.

Joni Dorian-Wright, 23, who lives in Hellesdon Road, said the grenade went off at the end of that road by the river.

Ms Dorian-Wright said: 'We were just chilling, watching TV.

'It shook the house quite a bit and we quite distinctly felt it.

The grendade is reported to have been found in or near the River Wensum in Hellesdon. Picture: Google StreetView (Image: Archant)

'My house mates hopped on their bikes and went to check it out and they overheard police saying that it was a hand grenade found in the river and it was a controlled explosion.'

Norfolk Police confirmed that the explosion was a hand grenade explosion.

They reported on Twitter: 'We can confirm that reports of an explosion in #Norwich reported on social media was a controlled explosion of a found hand grenade.'

Ms Dorian-Wright said they believed the device might have been a relic from the Second World War.

She said: 'My housemates overheard the police say they thought it was from World War II.

'They said it was a pretty active area during the war so it wouldn't be unlikely.'

She added: 'It was a bit nerve-wracking, and we were a bit alarmed, but this is Norwich, and I'm not particularly worried that there's going to be terrorists here.

'Especially since this is a very quiet area.'