Bomb disposal experts called to Rothbury

Northumbria Police cordoned off the Townfoot area after builders made the discovery on the site where the new Co-op is being built.

The ordnance is believed to have been an artillery shell.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after midday yesterday (Monday), we received a report that a suspected unexploded device had been discovered at a construction site on Townfoot, Rothbury.

“Officers attended the scene and the site was closed off to allow bomb disposal experts to dispose of the item safely.

“The item was safely disposed of just before 5pm and the site reopened shortly afterwards.”