Dozens of homes were cordoned off after a man found a Second World War shell while digging in his garden.
Residents in Eastcote Grove, Southend, were given the option of moving out after Ian Goodfellow, 53, made his discovery.
Ian said: "I was surprised. I was digging up the ground as part of the preparation work for an extension and I kept hitting something hard. I thought it was a rock but when I uncovered it I found it was a tank-busting shell."
Police cordoned off the area and Ian's neighbours were given the option of evacuating the road as a bomb disposal team secured and removed the foot-long shell.
Published Wednesday August 21, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article