An unexploded Second World War propelled grenade was discovered in Lacock this morning.

The device was found by conservation masons in the river near Lacock Bridge at about 9am.

It was found to be a propelled grenade from Second World War that would have been fired by an adapted rifle.

Masons Luke Hilferty and John Wilson, who work for Minerva Stone, were clearing traffic cones out of the river when they made the discovery.

Mr Hilferty said: “I spotted a funny shape in the water, like an aerosol can. I picked it up and, while it was in my hand I thought, ‘Oh, this looks like a bomb’. I’m not an expert on bombs but, dropping it was something I wanted to avoid.”

They laid it carefully on the bank and notified the police, who called the bomb disposal team from Tidworth.

Mr Wilson said: “It’s not an everyday find, but a few decades ago the American soldiers were based here, so there are still traces of the war. I used to be an archaeologist working on Salisbury Plain and we found some devices there as well.”

After the police diverted a dogwalker, the Royal Logistic Corps team safely exploded the grenade at around 12.15pm. They dug a hole few feet deep in a small dip in the field, laid sandbags on top and electronically activated plastic explosives.

A corporal of the 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment carried it to the hole. He said: “They’re really common to find. We’ve X-rayed it and it’s in good condition. We’re happy it is sound to move.”

National Trust landowner Graham Heard, who helped to move about 25 cows away from the controlled explosion, said: “They weren’t bothered by it, they actually ran towards the noise. They’re very used to people on this public footpath.”

Afterwards, Sergeant Andy Bevan of Wiltshire Police said: “We are satisfied there is no danger to the public. If anyone was to find anything similar they should not touch it, just dial 101.”