Authorities remove ‘WWI-era grenade’ from home in Cockburn Central

BOMB disposal experts were called in to investigate a possible explosive found at a home in Cockburn Central this afternoon.

The explosive, believed to have been a WWI-era grenade, was safely removed from a home on The Crest after authorities were called in just after 3pm.

The street was cordoned off and a number of homes were evacuated as authorities, including units from the Tactical Response Group and Australian Army, removed the explosive.

The area has since been declared safe and people have been able to return to their homes.

Resident Jan Stott found the grenade while gardening at her home where she has lived for 18 years.

“I thought it was a cricket ball at first because it was reddish,” she said.

“I grabbed it and was steel and solid so I took it inside and washed it off.

“That’s when I realised it looked like a bomb and should leave it.”

Ms Stott was told the bomb would be taken away and destroyed.

One theory is that it could have been a souvenir from WWI.

Cockburn councillor Phil Eva said he called police after enquiries from Ms Stott about what the item could be.

“If it is a WWI hand grenade, it definitely is a concern,” he said.

“I’ll be calling on the City of Cockburn to investigate and to see if there’s anything else in the area.”

A WA Police spokesman said investigations into the item were continuing. The item found by a Cockburn Central resident in her garden this afternoon.