A CHARITY shop in York city centre was evacuated this afternoon after a 'grenade' was found in a donated cosmetics bag.

North Yorkshire Police said bomb disposal experts were called to the Cancer Research UK shop in Coney Street at 1.40pm.

A force spokeswoman said the item, which was not thought to be live, was taken from the scene at 3.45pm.

Charity spokeswoman Nicki Embleton said: “We get lots of bags into the York shop and they are then sorted through.

“When that was opened an item which resembled a grenade was found. The shop acted immediately and contacted the police, who came round to investigate.

“The shop was evacuated. The staff and customers' safety was paramount and the bomb squad came along. The item has been taken away to be identified.

“It seems that it was not something that was of any immediate danger."

She said the shop closed afterwards for the rest of the day but it was unknown whether the item was a real grenade, a military souvenir or just an item which resembled a grenade.

“The main thing is that every body is safe. We’re very grateful to the staff in the shop who acted immediately,” she added.