Wartime Shell Vanishes After Being Found by Fisherman in Kent
A mysterious wartime shell was spotted by a fisherman near Overy Street, Kent — but it vanished before police could get their hands on it.
Police Called to River Spot at 5.40pm
Kent Police were alerted on Sunday 22 November 2020 at 5.40pm after the suspicious item was discovered close to the river. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was brought in and, based on video footage, they believe it could be an old wartime shell.
The object is about one metre long and cylindrical. The finder left it resting on a nearby wall while waiting for officers to arrive. But when police showed up just 12 minutes later at 5.52pm, the shell was nowhere to be found despite a thorough search of the scene.
Police Urge Public to Come Forward
Kent Police Inspector Shona Lowndes warned, “Explosive experts have not yet had the opportunity to inspect and assess whether this item is harmless or poses any dangers.
“We cannot discount that someone may have picked it up and perhaps taken it home or left it somewhere else. Anyone who has had contact with this item, or knows of its whereabouts, is urged to contact police immediately.”
If you have any information, call Kent Police on 101 quoting reference 22-0969.