A live grenade was found in a garden and surrounding homes were then evacuated.

A Yugoslavian hand grenade was dug up by the owner of a house in Coventry Road, Ilford, on Friday (June 13), while doing gardening work.

The police were called to the scene at around 2.15pm and after further inspection, it was determined by an officer that the grenade was live and that it posted a major threat to the area.

Officers began road closures, a direct sterile area was created leading directly to where the grenade and house to house enquiries were also made from the surrounding houses.

It is reported that it was feared the grenade was an even bigger threat as passing school children on their way home at a similar time to when it was found.

A make shift shelter was made in Perth Terrace for the safety of the home owner while the grenade was being inspected, and other residents were also evacuated from the area.

The grenade has since been recovered by EXPO for forensic examination.

PC Butler said: “Its clear that the community were deeply effected on this day by what had unfolded and Its strongly believed that a large number of lives were saved and damage averted by the quick thinking and response of the officers that attended this incident.”