Bomb squad deployed and homes evacuated after couple's discovery in attic
07.01.2022 - 03:01
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
A couple were forced to evacuate their house after discovering two devices believed to be Second World War bombs hidden in their attic.
Anthony Smith, 51, was measuring the chimney breast in the loft of the family home on Agincourt Street, West Derby this evening (January 6) when he came across the strange package.
The chemical plant worker took his find - enclosed in a 'Dinky Rolls' bread wrapper - to show his wife, Clare Smith, and set it on top of the kitchen counter.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, civil servant Claire said she "backed away quite quickly" after realising what was inside.
Claire said: "They're two Second World War incendiary devices; we know what they are because the guy who we bought the house from left a note with them.
"They dropped on Liverpool during the Blitz in 1941. He found them on the grounds of Hatton Garden police station, as he was a police sergeant.
"He took them home and put them in the loft and they have been there for 80 years."
The couple have lived in the property for around 20 years and say they bought it from the family of the retired police sergeant, Harold Craydon, who has since died.
Claire said she understood Sgt. Craydon had once been awarded the George Cross for gallantry for rescuing people following a bombing.
The couple called Claire's brother, who has served in the army, and he also said he believed they were incendiary devices - bombs which are specifically designed to start and spread fires.
Merseyside Police were called shortly before 4pm and evacuated Claire and Anthony, who are waiting at the home of their daughter Rachael.
The adjoining house was also evacuated.
A bomb squad team from Chester has now arrived at the scene and are understood to be evaluating the 10 inch