Officers reassure community after 200 canon rounds found

Officers from the Stafford Borough neighbourhood policing team (NPT) are reassuring the local community that they are safe after 200 canon rounds were discovered at a building site in Stone.

Police were called at 12:45pm to a premises on Swynnerton Road on Tuesday (14 December).

The rounds – which were identified as World War Two shells - had been discovered during excavation works at the site.

Officers ordered that all works cease and set up a 50m cordon.

All workers were moved away from the site, which remains closed today (Wednesday 15 December).

Staffordshire Police’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit are currently liaising with the army to establish safe disposal of the items which is expected to be completed later.

Inspector Laura Morrey, of Stafford Borough NPT said: “I would like to reassure the community that we are doing all we can to protect them during the safe removal of the rounds.

“Although the rounds are wet and unlikely to detonate, we are taking all of the necessary steps to ensure they are disposed of as safely and effectively as possible.

“All work has stopped at the site and specialist disposal units are working at the scene today to ensure the items are disposed of appropriately.

“If you do come across any unexploded devices, please DO NOT attempt to move or tamper with them under any circumstances, maintain a safe distance if possible - normally 100 meters - and alert others.

“Whenever possible, call 999.”

If you are concerned about devices in your area, contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, call 101 or visit Something you've seen or heard | Staffordshire Police.