Royal Navy bomb disposal called in as live mortar accidentally donated to charity shop

Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) responded after a suspected piece of military ordnance was handed in to the British Heart Foundation charity shop in Paignton.

The specialist operators from the Royal Navy's Bravo Squadron, based at HM Naval Base Devonport in Plymouth, identified the object as a British three-inch high-explosive mortar.

After determining it was safe to move, the mortar was carefully transported to Goodrington Beach, where it was safely destroyed in a controlled detonation.

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Lieutenant Matt Bowden, Officer in Charge of Bravo Unit One, said: "The Royal Navy Bomb Disposal team from HMNB Devonport was called to investigate suspected ordnance discovered in Paignton."

"The item was identified as a British three-inch high-explosive mortar. 

"Once my team had assessed it as safe to move, we transported it to Goodrington Beach, where it was safely destroyed in a controlled explosion.

"Incidents like this highlight the importance of contacting the authorities if you discover any suspected military ordnance and not attempting to handle it yourself."

The Mine Clearance Divers of Bravo Squadron are among the Royal Navy's most highly trained specialists, combining bomb disposal expertise with advanced diving skills.