'Grenade' discovered in Belmont Hill garden in St Albans

Herts Police closed Belmont Hill this afternoon and all houses were evacuated after a "suspicious device" was uncovered.

A spokesperson said they are unable to confirm whether the device was a hand grenade until the explosive ordinance disposal team have carried out its investigation. 

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  The landscapers, Adam and James, made the discovery while carrying out work at a house this afternoon (September 13).

Adam said: "We were digging out the back of the garden when we found something which looked a bit like a grenade.

Belmont Hill Picture: Pearce Bates (Image: Pearce Bates)

"It wasn't very deep at all, so we took it out.

"We later realised what it could be.”

Police were called at around 1.40pm, they closed the road, put a cordon in place, and evacuated properties within the cordon as a precaution.

A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “We kindly advise motorists to please seek an alternative route whilst the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialists respond to the incident.”

⚠️Due to a suspicious device being found in a back garden in Belmont Hill #StAlbans road closures and a cordon have been put in place. We’re at the scene and kindly advise motorists to avoid the area and seek an alternative route. pic.twitter.com/6i98Vb99gq

— Herts Police (@HertsPolice) September 13, 2022

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