BOMB disposal officers were called to a charity shop in Studley after the donation of an artillery shell.
The 30cm tall shell – described as having a copper top and brown body – was taken in on Saturday (August 4), to the Age Concern shop on the High Street and the owner said it had been used as a doorstop for the past eight years.
Recognising it as potentially dangerous, staff immediately called police, who in turn called the army.
Shop staff and those from nearby premises were evacuated as a precaution as the shell was checked by explosive experts.
And while it was considered safe after being checked, fears remained there could still have been a small residue of ‘charge’ left inside, so the shell was taken away to be disposed of safely.
Another, similar shell was found in Studley last year.
