Unexploded bomb forces UK holiday park evacution
Guests at a holiday park on the Isle of Wight have returned to their accommodation after the site was evacuated overnight because a guest brought in an unexploded bomb.
The guest found the device on the beach, thought it was a fossil and took it back to his caravan at Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park, in Bembridge.
The holiday park was evacuated by police at 11.30pm on Thursday night and a section of the site was cordoned off.
The device was initially described as a grenade, however, people at the scene were apparently later told it was a bomb, according to the Island Echo.
The Royal Navy Bomb Disposal Team retrieved the explosive in the early hours of Friday morning, enabling guests to return to their accommodation.
A controlled explosion was carried out on the beach at first light and the area was later declared safe for guests to return to their caravans.
A spokesperson for Away Resorts said: "The hand grenade has been retrieved by the Royal Navy Bomb Disposal team.
"Thank you for your patience, we are all very grateful.
"If you are staying with us at the moment it is now safe to return to your accommodation.
"The park will continue today, business as usual."
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed that Police were called at 22:36 and that the holiday park was evacuated after a member of the public found a grenade on the beach.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm
British teen in serious condition after paraglider collision
JetBlue scraps London Gatwick flights