AN unexploded bomb, found yesterday by an amateur metal 'detectorist', has been destroyed by army bomb disposal experts.

The bomb was discovered on Tueday morning on common land near Headlands Road, Appleton-le-Moors near Kirkbymoorside.

The detectorist, who did not wish to be named, said: "It looks like a World War II 'mortar' bomb, or it could be a training bomb."

Police now say they think it was a "two-inch mortar" - a portable British mortar issued to the British Army and the Commonwealth armies during the Second World War.

A police spokesperson said: "Police made the site safe overnight, and an army bomb disposal team attended the scene early this morning. 

"The device, believed to be a two-inch mortar, was destroyed shortly before 9am."

 

 

Yesterday's report:

AN unexploded bomb has been found just outside a Ryedale village.

Police and bomb defusal experts are on the scene.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "Police were called at 12.33pm today by a member of the public who had been metal detecting.

"He found what he believed to be an old bomb on common land near Headlands Road, Appleton-le-Moors near Kirkbymoorside.

"Police remain at the scene, which is remote and is not near any houses or other buildings.

"Officers are currently working with explosives experts from the MOD to identify the item in question and ensure it is safely dealt with."

The discovery was made by a man who did not wish to be named. He said: "I do a bit of amateur metal-detecting, that's how I found it.

"It looks like a World War II 'mortar' bomb, or it could be a training bomb."