There was traffic disruption after bomb disposal experts were called out to remove an unexploded mortar shell found dumped in a ditch.

A road had to be closed off for more than two hours while Army personnel dealt with the dangerous discovery.

The military experts were called out after the explosive was seen in a ditch in Shopland Road, Rochford.

It was spotted by a man who was out for a walk yesterday at about 10am.

The man immediately called the police and they in turn requested the assistance of the bomb disposal experts, who are based in Colchester.

Sgt Diable-White, of Rayleigh police, said: "It is clear from how the shell was positioned in the ditch that it had been dumped there.

"The bomb disposal experts took the shell away and later destroyed it."

Published Wednesday, April 23, 2003

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