A HAND grenade believed to be from the Second World War has been pulled out of a river in Salisbury.

At around 5.15pm Wiltshire Police announced a road closure on Facebook, asking the public to avoid the surrounding area if possible.

It was then revealed that a member of the public called the police to report the discovery of what’s believed to be a Second World War hand grenade.

The roads closed were Churchill Way South, between College Roundabout and Exeter Street Roundabout, and New Bridge Road, in both directions between Exeter Street and New Bridge roundabouts.

These roads have now reopened. 

A cordon was set up as a safety precaution and Churchill Gardens was evacuated, the item assessed by EOD specialists.

During the incident a statement from Wiltshire Police said: “We are currently dealing with an incident in the New Bridge Road/Churchill Way South area of Salisbury.

“We received a call from a member of the public who reported the discovery of what’s believed to be a Second World War hand grenade that has been pulled out of the river. 

“A cordon has been set up as a safety precaution and Churchill Gardens has been evacuated; as per normal procedure, the item will be assessed by EOD specialists.

“Please avoid the area until further notice, thank you for your co-operation in this matter.”