Blast alert as Tipton munitions site found

A former wartime munitions hub is believed to have been uncovered on a derelict industrial site in the Black Country.

Bomb disposal experts and police were scrambled to the GA Transport site at the Eagle Industrial Estate in Bagnall Street, Tipton, after contractors discovered 60 pieces of shot among rubble. The shot, which did not contain explosives and would have been fired from tanks, is believed to date back to the Second World War.

Police who were called to the scene yesterday said the shot was discovered by workers at the site, set to be redeveloped as a rubbish treatment plant.

David Lavender, spokesman for West Midlands Police, said: "Police were called to an industrial estate in Bagnall Street at 9.10am yesterday

"It is believed this may have been a munitions site from the war."

A cordon was set up at 9.40am, and the Army was notified.

An Explosive Ordinance Disposal team from Tewkesbury attended the scene, and people in the surrounding area were told there was no risk to safety.

Stan Lowe, working on the industrial estate as owner of Stan's Yer Man Vans for the past 11 years, said: "It was a military site years ago from what I gather.

"I think they called the bomb squad as a precaution but they must have been expecting to find some military stuff.

"It was unavoidable they found things buried underneath the site.

"So much from the war is buried all over the Black Country, it could even be in my back garden."