September 17, 2018 11.20 am This story is over 65 months old

Engineers discover unexploded bomb in Lincolnshire

Openreach engineers were replacing infrastructure

Openreach engineers working near a Lincolnshire village recently discovered an unexploded bomb.

Openreach supervisor Russell Keil and his team, working near the village of West Pinchbeck, near Spalding, were busy upgrading ducting when the trench digger they were using unearthed a mysterious object.

It was initially thought to be an old piece of pipe work, but after closer inspection the team quickly cleared the area and cordoned it off to protect people before calling the police.

Police arrived at the scene before contacting the nearest bomb disposal squad and it was later confirmed that the discovery was a two-inch mortar, which was used by British and Commonwealth countries during WWII.

After the bomb disposal squad made the area safe, the Openreach team were able to return to work, replacing the underground infrastructure.

Openreach supervisor Russell Keil and his team made the discovery. Photo: Openreach

Supervisor Russell Keil said: “I was using a Ditch Witch to dig a trench when it turned over what I thought was an obsolete joint.

“I knew something wasn’t quite right so took a closer look and that’s when I realised it looked very much like a bomb from an online simulation game I play in my spare time.”

He added: “I couldn’t believe it was a bomb and wondered about calling the police because I didn’t want to waste their time, but I’m glad I did.

“It was also a relief when I got home that evening and got the call to say that the mortar had been fully tested for chemicals and hazardous substances and fortunately we had nothing to worry about.”