A bomb squad called to deal with potentially explosive devices found practice hand grenades from the Second World War that looked exactly like the real thing.
The alarm had been raised by a member of the public who had been clearing out a shed at home in Butt Lane, Burgh Castle.
The householder alerted police sending photographs of the suspect explosives which were sent on to a specialist unit.
A bomb disposal team from Colchester Troop, 621 Squadron, was despatched and guided by police to the address on Tuesday.
An army spokesman said: 'On inspection they were identified as three Second World War-vintage 29mm spigot mortar bombs. While in the area, another member of the public reported finding other items a few days before, which were identified as another 29mm spigot mortar bomb and a No.36 hand grenade. All five items were practice munitions which contained no explosives and were recovered for safe disposal.
'We would encourage the public to raise the alarm if they do have concerns about any suspect items they find and not to touch them. It is better to be safe than sorry.'
He added the grenades were filled with concrete to replicate the weight of the real thing during practice exercises that were common in the area during the Second World War.
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