Army on the scene and Birmingham school evacuated due to 'suspected hand grenade'

West Midlands Fire Service confirmed that a school in Birmingham was evacuated for the safety of students after an unexploded ordinance device was discovered in a garden in Bordesley Green.

Parents were advised to collect their children from Bordesley Green Girls' School after Bordesley Green Road was shut due to the discovery of an unexploded ordinance device. The device was found to be inert and removed to be disposed of safely.

On X, West Midlands Fire Service said: "As a precaution, pupils are being released early from Bordesley Green Girls' School, Birmingham, in Bordesley Green, this afternoon.

"It follows the discovery in a nearby garden of what's thought to be a small unexploded ordnance device. Parents have been advised via the school's text service."

West Midlands Fire Service advised parents to stay clear of the road, which was closed from Denbigh Street to Ronald Road, and instead collect students from the junction of Denbigh Street and Cherrywood Road.

The fire service said: "Any who are collecting their children should do so near the junction of Denbigh Street and Cherrywood Road.

"Bordesley Green Rd is currently closed, Denbigh St to Ronald Rd."

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said that a cordon was placed around a property after a member of the public discovered a 'suspected hand grenade'.

West Midlands Police said: "A cordon is in place around a property in Bordesley Green Road where a suspected hand grenade was discovered by members of the public earlier today.

"The Army’s EOD team will be attending to examine the item, and neighbouring properties have been evacuated as a precaution and road closures are in place."

The West Midlands Fire Serviuce said the incident had concluded safely by about 4.30pm.

A statement said: "This incident has concluded safely. Bordesley Green Road now open again.

"Device found to be inert and taken away for safe disposal.

"Thank you to everyone affected for your patience, while we and other agencies responded."