Northern Ireland

Unexploded Second World War shell dealt with at Magilligan

The historic piece of munition was discovered in the Point Road area on Monday.

The unexploded Second World War shell was discovered in the Point Road area of Magilligan in Co Derry at the mouth of the Lough Foyle
The unexploded Second World War shell was discovered in the Point Road area of Magilligan in Co Derry at the mouth of the Lough Foyle

An unexploded shell dating back to the Second World War was at the centre of a security alert in the north west of Northern Ireland.

The historic piece of munition was discovered in the Point Road area of Magilligan in Co Derry at the mouth of Lough Foyle on Monday.

The road was closed overnight to Tuesday morning while Army bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesperson said it was declared to be an unexploded Second World War shell.

They said: “Police attended a report of what is believed to have been the discovery of a historic piece of munition in the Point Road area shortly before 6pm yesterday, Monday February 26.

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“A road closure and cordons were in place as officers attended the scene overnight.

“Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) today, Tuesday, attended the scene, and carried out a controlled explosion on the device, which following examination, was declared to be an unexploded World War II shell.”

They added their thanks for the public for their patience and co-operation during the operation.