A holidaymaker took a grenade back to a caravan park after finding it on the beach and mistaking it for a fossil, it is claimed.
Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park, in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight, was evacuated by police after reports about the unexploded bomb at around 11.30pm last night.
A guest at the park is said to have discovered the bomb on the beach and only realised it was a weapon when they got it back to the caravan.
The device was initially described as a grenade, however, people at the scene were apparently later told it was a bomb, the Island Echo reports.
The Royal Navy Bomb Disposal Team retrieved the explosive in the early hours of this morning, enabling guests to return to their accommodation.
Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park wrote on Facebook: "We are aware that late this evening an old hand grenade has been found at Whitecliff Bay.
"Customers are safe and we have responded quickly, taking advice from the experts as we speak and who are also on their way to help resolve the situation.
"We will keep you informed throughout the morning as we get updated."
In a later post, the holiday park wrote: "The hand grenade has been retrieved by the Royal Navy Bomb Disposal team.
"Thank you for your patience, we are all very grateful. If you are staying with us at the moment it is now safe to return to your accommodation."
