Shropshire Star

Bomb squad detonate wartime artillery shells in Oswestry - with video

A host of controlled explosions involving wartime artillery took place on a building site in Oswestry.

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On Thursday, bomb disposal experts were detonating old wartime artillery shells, found on a building site off Artillery Road in Oswestry, in a nearby field.

They were found on the former army base where Chartland Homes is currently building houses.

Officers warned nearby residents may hear a small bang.

A further warning was issued by West Mercia Police at 3pm, telling homeowners to stay at the back of their properties and away from windows, ahead of further controlled explosions.

A spokeswoman for the police said: "Local residents have not been evacuated but have been advised to remain at the back of their property and away from windows.

"This is purely a precaution and based on advice from the army who are well equipped at dealing with such incidents.

"Police, the army, fire and local authority continue to work together to keep any disruption to a minimum while ensuring the safety of the public and would like to thank local residents for their patience and co-operation."

Previously:

Project manager Andrew Jones said the controlled explosions were part of a planned procedure.

A 100 metre cordon was in place as a precaution and officers were on site to reassure residents.

Specialist experts have been on site for weeks searching for ordnance.