An neighbourhood sale shopper in Texas got rather more than they bargained for after discovering a box containing what appeared to be old military grenades.
The resident contacted police after finding the devices among items bought at an estate sale in Central Texas earlier this week, and once Austin Police Department’s Bomb Squad examined the grenades, they confirmed they were live and active.
The discovery prompted officers to secure the area and establish a perimeter while bomb disposal experts dealt with the potentially dangerous find.
Photos from the scene showed police vehicles and caution tape surrounding part of the neighbourhood, while one image appeared to show several grenade-shaped objects inside a box.
An Austin Police Department public information officer told Chron that six grenades were found and that they appeared to date from the Second World War.
The devices were reportedly in good condition considering their age.
Bomb Squad personnel carried out X-ray examinations before determining that the grenades appeared to be live and treating them accordingly.
The officer said: “Bomb Squad personnel assessed the devices, including X-ray examination. Based on their interpretation of the X-ray images, the grenades appeared to be live and were treated accordingly.”
Police said the grenades did not pose an immediate threat in the circumstances, but their age and apparent condition meant precautions were necessary.
The officer added: “Bomb Squad personnel subsequently conducted render-safe procedures to eliminate any potential hazards.”
The grenades were then safely removed from the property.
The Austin Police Association praised the bomb squad officers for dealing with the unusual discovery.
The team wrote: “A big shoutout to our APD Bomb Squad. These officers bring a level of training, expertise, and steady nerves that most people never see.
“Handling 80-year-old explosives with unknown stability is dangerous, precise work, and they do it with the professionalism this city counts on. The devices were safely seized and removed.”
There was no criminal investigation and police confirmed that no crime had occurred.
However, the bizarre discovery prompted a stark warning for anyone who comes across old military equipment.
The association said: “No crime here, just a great reminder. If you ever come across old military ordnance (grenades, shells, mortar rounds, etc), even if you think it's inert, don't touch it, don't move it, and call 911. let the experts handle it.”