A METAL detector scouring a farmer’s field picked up a live Second World War hand grenade.

The device was found in the large grassland off Harwich Road, in Little Oakley, and the police and bomb disposal unit were both called to the scene.

Catharina Griffiths lives nearby and was shocked something like this had been found in the village.

“I happened to be looking out of the window and saw flashing blue lights,” said Mrs Griffiths.

“Initially, because of how tight the bend is on the road, I thought it was an accident, but when I went outside the policeman explained someone had found a hand grenade from the Second World War when they were out in the field."

Police officers blocked the road while the detonation was carried out at 4pm last Tuesday.

In August, five Second World War grenades were found on Dovercourt beach, including three in one day by a family celebrating a birthday.

An Army spokesman confirmed the grenade – a no 36 Mill Bomb – had been detonated at the scene.

“Destroying the grenade in situ was the safest thing to do in the circumstances, as old ammunition can be quite unstable,” the spokesman said.

“We would encourage the public to raise the alarm if they do have concerns about any suspect items they find and not to touch them.

“It is better to be safe than sorry.”