Bomb squad called to canal after magnet fishers find World War Two 'explosive'

A group of magnet fishers from Glasgow pulled the item from World War Two out of a canal in Falkirk.

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A bomb squad were called to a road in Falkirk after a group of magnet fishers pulled a World War Two mortar from a nearby canal.

Glasgow Magnet Fishing, who utilise magnets in an attempt to pull a variety of objects from bodies of water across the country, were gathered at the Falkirk canal on Saturday.

At around 1pm a member of the group pulled a mortar from the Second World War out of the water and emergency services were immediately called.

Police cordoned off South Bantaskine Road as the bomb squad were called to try identify the object.

Images of the item clearly show serial number ’68 ATI/I’ and the year ‘1942’ etched into the side of the object

Group founder, Mark McGeachin, told STV News: “It was a young lad in the group who found it.

“We were all nervous because we knew exactly what it was when we found it.”

The bomb squad were called to the scene after the item was discovered Glasgow Magnet Fishers

The device was removed safely and deemed to be a practice mortar used in training exercises by the army.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 1.15pm on Saturday, October 5, 2024, we were called to a report of an ordnance device being found in the South Bantaskine Road area of Falkirk.

“A cordon was placed around the area as a precaution and EOD attended. The device was removed safely and was found to be a practice device.”

To find out more to about the Glasgow Magnet Fishing group click here.