A bomb disposal unit rushed to the scene at a canal today after a hand grenade was discovered by a man while fishing.
Police were called out to Bradley Lane in Newton-le-Willows at around 1.35pm today (Thursday) following reports that a grenade had been found in a nearby canal.
The force's explosive ordnance disposal team were sent to the scene and drivers were urged to avoid the area. Roads were also closed nearby.
A spokesman for the force said to the ECHO : "We were contacted at 1.35pm today, Thursday 8th April, following reports a fisherman had recovered a hand grenade from a canal close to Bradley Lane in Newton-le-Willows.
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"The EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) has been contacted to dispose of the device safely. Roads in the surrounding area have been closed and the public are advised to avoid the area while the matter is being dealt with."
Photographs shared with the ECHO showed the area cordoned off by police while officers worked to make the area safe.
