'Bomb' fear sparks evacuation of Kidderminster homes
Families were evacuated from their homes after a scrap dealer discovered a suspected explosive device among a pile of metal he had collected.
Police and bomb disposal experts were called to Norton Road in Kidderminster after the discovery was reported at around 1.15pm yesterday (Mon).
Residents along the street and nearby Winterfold Close were told to leave their homes immediately as a precaution.
A temporary evacuation centre was set up at St Chad's Community Hall.
Tests were carried out on the device - which was found to contain no explosives and did not pose a danger.
Police said it was an aircraft training device and there had never been any risk of it going off.
Residents along the two streets said they had been allowed back in their homes at around 3pm and the device was taken away by the Royal Logistic Corps.
Resident Dan Mills, who works as a scrap collector, said he had picked up a pile of metal, including an engine, which had been left at the bottom of a drive in Alveley.
The 28-year-old said: "It was only when I got it back home I noticed there was a torpedo-shaped object among the pile of scrap," he said.
"I told a mate of mine and when he saw it he said I had better call the police.
"They came and closed off the road and asked residents to leave.
"I have been told it was not dangerous but houses had to be evacuated as a precaution.
"It was quite a scary thing to have happened."
A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "I'm working nights so I was in bed when the police knocked on the door.
"We were told to leave the house immediately as a device had been found.
"We went to the community centre but were given the all clear to come back at around 3pm.
"Although it turned out to be nothing in the end it was very frightening. You wonder what is going to happen."
Bomb disposal experts were only at the scene for a short time before taking the device away."
West Mercia Police spokesman Dylan Evans said: "The device was taken away by the Royal Logistic Corps.
"Tests have shown it top be a non-explosive aircraft training device.
"It did not contain any explosive so it did not pose a risk to lives or property.
"We are very grateful for the patience and understanding of residents during this operation. We are aware it was inconvenient for some.
"The evacuation had to be carried out as a precaution."
