Jersey pensioner drove to town with WW2 hand grenade

Saturday 15 August 2020

Jersey Police has had to warn islanders not to handle old military items after an elderly woman drove to the station in St Helier to drop off a "highly explosive" grenade found in her home.

When the pensioner told officers what she had in her car boot, they sent her to the harbour instead.

Upon her arrival, Elizabeth Terminal was restricted due to what was described as a "police operation" at the time.

A spokesperson later confirmed that the closure was due to a Bomb Disposal Officer having to deal with a hand grenade.

An elderly lady had found it in her home, put it in her car and drive through the town to take it to the police station.

When she arrived in town and called the police, she was swiftly redirected to the harbour so that it could be dealt with by the Bomb Disposal Officer.

It turned out that the item was a 'WW2 Mills Hand Grenade' - a British-made hand grenade said to contain "high explosives".

"The owner of the car had found the item in their home where it had been for decades and was taking it to the police station," said the States of Jersey Police. 

"If you come across old firearms or military items in premises which could possibly be dangerous, 
1. Leave in situ
2. Do not handle
3. Call the police"