A bomb disposal unit was called out to a street in Hale today after a live grenade – thought to be of World War Two vintage – was discovered in the cellar of a house.
Residents of the property on Rivington Road made the extraordinary discovery yesterday while packing up their belongings in preparation for a house move.
Opening a decrepit suitcase, they found the grenade – with pin apparently intact – wrapped in a pair of underpants, alongside 12 live bullets.
Also found were numerous old newspapers marking historic occasions, such as the death of King George VI in 1952.
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The suitcase containing the grenade was originally given to them during a clear-out of the semi-detached property next door, whose occupant moved into residential care 12 years ago.
The grenade itself is thought to have belonged to Robert Matheson, a war veteran.
When the surprise discovery was made yesterday, the residents initially panicked and placed the grenade in their back garden while further investigations were made.
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When they realised it might be a grenade they contacted GMP Trafford South for assistance.
A sole officer arrived at the scene before calling for further back-up and a bomb disposal unit from the Royal Logistics Corps.
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Officers are still deciding whether to evacuate neighbouring premises on Rivington Road and Chiltern Drive.
The resident who discovered the grenade said it was “a bit of a shock”.
They added: “I was out in the garden sorting out everything for our move.
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“I was looking through a very old case we took and amongst the materials was this grenade with a stem and 12 live bullets.
“Yesterday I handled the grenade gently and threw it on the grass. This morning I was uneasy about it and so now I am waiting for the bomb squad.”