Hundreds of properties in Perth were shaken as bomb squad experts detonated a Second World War mortar shell in a massive explosion.
The navy bomb disposal unit was summoned to Dundee Road after what had initially been reported as the discovery of “wartime fire extinguishers” turned out to be an unexploded bomb.
As traffic was stopped to prevent drivers becoming alarmed, the experts took it to a field near Murray Royal Hospital to be destroyed.
The resulting blast shook properties in the area, and could be heard as far away as Scone.
The farmer who owns the field in which the controlled explosion took place said: “It was like a monumental fire cracker — there was a huge bang.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “We attended at Dundee Road, Perth at 2.15pm after reports of wartime fire extinguishers. EOD attended and removed the devices to dispose of.”
A spokeswoman for the MOD added: “The navy bomb disposal unit was called to Perth to deal with a Second World War mortar shell.
“It was not dangerous but they decided to destroy it as a precaution.”
