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THE DEFENCE FORCES’ bomb disposal unit  has made safe an artillery shell found in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

The disposal unit was called to the scene by gardaí at 2.15pm.

The device itself is a World War I naval artillery shell, the Defence Forces has confirmed.

Donegal News reports that the shell was discovered elsewhere, before being brought home to ManorView Park in the town by a family who first came across it while out for a walk.

A cordon was established and local houses were evacuated before the disposal unit made an initial assessment of the shell.

Once that assessment was complete the device was transported to a ‘secure military location for further examination and disposal’, according to a Defence Forces spokesperson.

The scene was declared safe at 3.15pm.

“Historic munitions from early 20th century conflicts can be encountered from time to time,” the Defence Forces’ spokesperson said.

Should members of the public find such munitions they are advised to maintain a safe distance, inform An Garda Síochána, who in turn will request Defence Forces assistance.

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