Army bomb squad experts were called out after a hand grenade was discovered at an old folks’ home in Keswick at lunchtime today (Tuesday 16th June).
Elderly residents already in lockdown at Millfield Retirement Home had to be moved to safety and traffic on Penrith Road was brought to a standstill as it was sealed off while the emergency was dealt with.
Police threw a cordon around the area, blocking off the road between Greta Street and Blencathra Street to pedestrians as well as traffic, after the hand grenade discovery at around 12.30pm.
Officers called in an army explosives team but its vehicle left just 10 minutes after arriving at the scene. Police later announced that the items involved were found to be casings rather than explosives.
Residents at the home had been reassured by staff during the emergency but did not have to leave the premises which have been in lockdown for over three months because of coronavirus restrictions.
Val Loan, manager at Millfield Retirement Home, said: “We have been told the grenade wasn’t live. We didn’t tell the residents very much, just moved them to safety into the dining room and had an afternoon of activities.”
