Kent Police were scrambled at 11.04am today after a suspected World War II mortar shell was found on Top Dartford Road, Swanley.
Bomb Disposal Team Rules Out Danger
The explosive device, also called a mortar bomb, is a projectile fired from a mortar, an artillery weapon. Officers quickly called in a Ministry of Defence bomb disposal team to inspect the item.
Thankfully, the experts confirmed the shell posed no threat and removed it safely.
Cordon Lifted After Swift Action
A police cordon was set up between Princes Road and Bower Road but has now been lifted. The scare caused a stir on social media, with one local joking, “Not what my husband was expecting to find today.”
There are unconfirmed reports of police knocking on neighbours’ doors and some residents being told to evacuate, but Kent Police have not verified this.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called at 11.04am on Thursday 20 November 2025 to a report of a suspected wartime mortar shell in Top Dartford Road, Swanley. Officers attended the scene alongside a Ministry of Defence bomb disposal team, who determined the item to be of no threat. It has since been safely disposed of and a cordon, which was in place between Princes Road and Bower Road, has been removed.”
