Residents return to their homes after 'suspected unexploded device' incident stood down in Newcastle

Police attended the scene on Friday afternoon. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Residents in a suburb in Newcastle have returned to their homes, after reports of a suspected unexploded device which turned out to be a replica grenade.

Emergency services were called to an address on Swinhoe Road, in the Great Park area of the city on Friday 30 May.

Explosives experts were called to the scene and the cordon was stood down at around 10.30pm

ITV News Tyne Tees spoke to someone who lives in one of the houses which had been evacuated.

Harshith Bonam was out when the evacuation happened, and is now not able to get back to his home.

Harshith Bonam is one of a number of people who have been evacuated from their homes in the Great Park area of Newcastle. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

"We just came into the estate and we saw all of it blocked off," Mr Bonam said.

He continued: "They said we couldn't go in, my house is literally opposite where the school was, where this like unexploded grenade was.

"The police have just blocked us off, so I'm going to have to stay in one of my friends' houses.

"We are concerned, because it was so sudden, we didn't know what to do, hopefully the situation resolves itself quickly."

Police at the scene. Credit: NCJ Media

A kids club in the area had was been evacuated. In a Facebook post, the Great Park Community Centre said: "As a precaution we have been advised to evacuate and will be closed as of now. This will likely be for the rest of today’s bookings."

"All children are safe and with the group leaders," the community centre added.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "At 12.20pm today (Friday), we received a report of a suspected unexploded device at an address on Swinhoe Road in the Great Park area of Newcastle.

“Emergency services attended and a number of properties in the area were evacuated as a precaution.

"A cordon was put in place and an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) attended the scene to ensure the safety of the public.

"The item was confirmed to be a replica grenade - and not viable as an explosive.

"After ensuring the area was safe, EOD and Northumbria Police were stood down and the cordon removed at 10.30pm.

"The area has fully re-opened to residents who are now beginning to return to their properties.

"We'd like to offer our thanks to those affected today for their patience. The safety of the public is always our priority."

Newcastle City Council said: "We are pleased to confirm that the incident reported earlier today in Great Park has now been fully resolved, and residents can now to safely return to their homes.

"Northumbria Police have confirmed that the device was a replica grenade and not viable as an explosive.

"The safety and wellbeing of our residents is always our top priority, and we would like to thank the emergency services for their swift response in ensuring the safety of the community.

"We understand this incident may have caused disruption, and we greatly appreciate the patience and cooperation of all affected residents."

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