Urgent lockdown in Darwen town centre after ‘grenade found’ near Wetherspoons sparking huge emergency response
A “GRENADE” has been found in Darwen town centre, leading to an an emergency lockdown and the arrival of a bomb disposal unit.
The explosive was reportedly found on a bench in the Lancashire town, with police cordoning off neighbouring streets.
An Army bomb disposal unit was earlier at the scene and could be seen working on the grenade on a bench.
The explosive has now been taken away by the Army.
Police announced the lockdown had ended and roads were reopen just after 5pm.
The Market Square was being used for an artisan market today with tents and stalls set up. It was cordoned off and evacuated just after 2pm.
One witness told The Sun that a woman had gone into the Heritage Centre to donate items and had inadvertently handed over a grenade with the pin still in it.
Police said in a statement: “We are currently at the scene of an ongoing incident at Market Hall, Croft Street, Darwen.
“Officers are currently at the scene and a cordon is in place.
“We are asking people to avoid the area for now and we will update you in due course.”
The road was been cordoned off between Wetherspoons and the A666 since about 2pm, according to eyewitnesses.
Photos showed police and firefighters also at the scene.
A woman at a hen’s do across the street in a locked down pub said all the men in uniform was “exciting”.
“What more could a girl ask for all them men in uniform police fire and army and paramedics?”
“Even the bomb squad showed up and gave her a little wave.”
Police entered the pub at about 2.30pm and told no one to leave it.
The Ministry of Defence has been approached for comment.