Homes evacuated with bomb squad called after 'old war shells' found at house in Altrincham

  • A video report from ITV Granada Reports Correspondent Rob Smith

A controlled explosion was carried out after a stash of of artillery shells was uncovered at a war veteran's home in Trafford.

Police along with a bomb squad were called to Avocet Drive on Saturday 2 November in Broadheath, Altrincham after 'Old war shells' were found at a home during a clear-out.

Nicola Connor, who made the discovery, said she was "clearing out" her dad's house with her husband and her late father's friend when the four shells were uncovered in the back garden.

A precautionary cordon has been put in place. Credit: Google earth

Nicki said: "I picked the tub up and it had water in and I was emptying it out. It was heavy.

"I went inside and Scott said you need to have a look at this. When he showed me the shells, my stomach dropped. I said we need to get out of here.

"Dad told Scott that five years ago he got rid of them. They're about as big as your arm. I presume he just took them.

"My dad was a war hero. They would have been when he was in the army. In special ops. I knew I'd find bullets and other stuff. But I didn't think I'd find that. He'd be loving this. It's a parting gift."

Scott, 48, from Hale, a former neighbour and best friend of Mr Connor, who died aged aged 78 on 22 October, said the shells were about 12ins long and thought to date from the late 80s.

He added: "I just thought, 'You told me you got rid of them you bugger'. He was the nicest person you could ever meet in your life. He was a right down-to-earth bloke. This is his last laugh.

"He wasn't a bad bloke. He just didn't tell the MOD."

Daniel Connor MBE Credit: MEN Media

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Shortly after midday today, officers were called to reports of suspicious items found during a property clearance on Avocet Drive, Altrincham. EOD are en-route to assess the items, and a precautionary cordon has been put in place."

In a statement, a GMP spokesperson said: "Shortly after midday today (2 November), officers were called to reports of suspicious items found during a property clearance on Avocet Drive, Altrincham.

"EOD are en-route to assess the items, and a precautionary cordon has been put in place."