Residents in the rural village of Niton found themselves at the centre of a tense situation this evening as the Royal Navy’s Bomb Disposal team was called to respond to the discovery of a suspected hand grenade. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts from Portsmouth swiftly mobilized to the scene following reports of a potentially hazardous item found in a pile of scrap metal at Fields Nursery, situated off Town Lane.
According to reports, the object, believed to be an unexploded ordnance resembling a grenade, prompted immediate action from authorities to ensure the safety of the surrounding area. The arrival of bomb disposal experts from Portsmouth, who travelled to the Isle of Wight via ferry, signalled the seriousness of the situation and the urgency with which it was being addressed.
This incident marks the second occasion in recent days that the Royal Navy has been summoned to the Isle of Wight to handle potentially dangerous ordnance. Just last Thursday evening, a suspected mine was discovered at Grange Chine in Brighstone, prompting a controlled explosion to neutralize the threat.
The discovery of suspected munitions in Niton underscores the ongoing presence of historical artefacts and remnants of conflict, serving as a reminder of the island’s strategic significance during times of war. While such discoveries are relatively rare, they highlight the importance of vigilance and prompt action in mitigating potential risks to public safety.
As the situation in Niton unfolds, residents are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities as necessary measures are taken to dispose of the suspected hand grenade safely. Updates on the operation will be provided as they become available, with authorities working diligently to ensure the swift resolution of the incident and the protection of the community.
The response from the Royal Navy’s Bomb Disposal team underscores their expertise and readiness to respond to potential threats, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding communities from the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance.
