A business park was evacuated after reports live ammunition had been found at a recycling centre.
A bomb scare was sparked at Albert Hill Industrial Estate in Darlington, County Durham, following reports that a possible live device had been disposed of at Teward Skip Hire and Recycling.
A bomb squad from Catterick was called at around 2pm on Tuesday but Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said the experts found there was no threat, describing the device as “ornamental”.
She said: “We were called at 2.06pm after reports of a suspicious item at a private recycling centre in Darlington.
“Bomb disposal was called and deemed the item posed no threat.”
Roads nearby were closed as a precaution and reopened when officers left the scene at about 3.20pm.
Roz Teward, owner of the company, said praised the team for coming out and dealing with the incidents quickly.
She added: "It was an ornament which unfortunately has been disposed of in a way it shouldn't have.
"It had been diffused but we didn't know that so we had to contact the police and evacuate until it was dealt with. It's safety first at the end of the day.
"We want our customers to know we deal with things in a safe way and to take note of the items they can and can't dispose of.
"Sorry to the other businesses for the disturbance but hopefully they understand we have to put safety first."
