Leicester Town Centre Lockdown After Live Grenade Found in Charity Shop Donation
Leicester was plunged into chaos today after a live grenade was handed into a charity shop, sparking a full-scale bomb disposal operation. Streets closed and locals warned to steer clear as police and army experts rushed to the scene.
Police Shut Down Streets Following Grenade Discovery
Leicestershire Police and the army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team swarmed Wharf Street South after reports a grenade was found inside a donated box at a charity shop. The urgent discovery triggered immediate road closures between Crafton Street West and Eldon Street.
Officers urged the public and drivers: “Please avoid this area” as they secured the scene.
Grenade Originally Found at Age UK Warehouse Before Charity Shop Drop-Off
The suspicious explosive was first spotted at an Age UK furniture warehouse on Gladstone Street before ending up at the charity shop. Police confirmed the alarming incident happened just after 2:05 pm on November 18, 2025.
Emergency crews, including two fire engines, remain on site as the cordon stays firmly in place. A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said:
“We were called to Gladstone Street just after 2:05 pm after concerns were raised about a grenade found inside a box being donated to a charity shop. The army’s EOD unit has been deployed. For safety, road closures are in place.”
Bomb Squad On High Alert as Residents Left On Edge
Photos from the scene show bomb disposal experts in full protective gear working cautiously to defuse the device. The tight security cordon remains intact while safety teams conduct their delicate operation.
Authorities continue to warn residents to keep clear as investigations and bomb disposal efforts continue in this tense stand-off.
