Unexploded device found by scrapyard workers in Smethwick

Bomb disposal experts and police were called to Sims Metal Management in Rabone Lane to investigate the discovery on Saturday.

Roads were sealed off around the firm as a precaution while experts from the Army's Royal Logistics Corps worked at the scene.

The device, which was not live, was thought to have been used for training. Insp Ian Massey, of West Bromwich police, said: "The staff who were on duty came across the device. Initially we sought advice from the Army and after making an assessment of an image of the item that we sent to them, we were fairly happy to scale back the cordon. It was a rocket-shape device.

"Fortunately as it was a Saturday morning, and as there are no residences in this area, disruption was kept to minimum. Is is an industrial area and we did advise the few businesses nearby that were open as to what was happening. Some took the decision to close, but there was no major evacuation.

No one was available to comment at Sims Metal Management.

Rabone Lane was reopened at 10.30am.

The Royal Logistics Corps – Bomb Disposal unit arrived shortly before midday and the small team could be seen rolling part of the device, which appeared to be in two parts, from the yard towards their vehicle.