MOD reveal WW2 device handed in to Perth police after station taped off

A Perth police station was cordoned off after a World War II device was handed in to officers.

The force’s headquarters on Barrack Street was taped off shortly after 9.30am on Sunday.

Officers stood guard while a police car was parked across the pavement, and the public was advised to stay away from the area.

The closure came after a suspected explosive device was handed in to police at the station by a member of the public.

Perth Police Headquarters was sealed off on Sunday. Image: Stuart Cowper

Police say the item was immediately taken outside while a decision was made to seal off the station, and army bomb disposal experts were alerted.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has now confirmed that the suspect device was a World War II practice grenade.

The American-designed MK 2 grenade was a standard-issue anti-personnel grenade used extensively throughout World War II and beyond.

Bomb squad called to Perth police station

Practice grenades were often painted yellow, red or blue to differentiate them from the standard green issue.

An MOD spokesperson said: “We can confirm an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team responded to a call from Police Scotland to attend Perth police station on Sunday.

“A team from 521 Sqn, 11 EOD and Search Regiment RLC responded.

“A World War II Mk 2 practice grenade was safely removed for disposal.”

MK2 World War II practice grenade. Image: Shutterstock

11 EOD and Search Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corps is the British Army’s specialist unit responsible for the removal of explosive devices.

It also inspects and licenses ammunition storage and enforces explosives safety regulations.

The regiment has five squadrons based at army bases across England and Northern Ireland, the closest to Perth being the EOD regiment based at Catterick in North Yorkshire.

Perth police headquarters was reopened on Sunday morning after the safe removal of the suspect device was completed.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 9.35am on Sunday a possible ordnance device was handed in to the police station at Barrack Street, Perth.

“The device has been taken outside.

“Barrack Street was closed for a short time but has now re-opened.”