BOMB disposal experts were called out after a Second World War hand grenade was found in a North-East garden.

Barry Street, in Saltwell, Gateshead was cordoned off by police after it was reported at around 2.55pm on Saturday.

Around 24 homes were evacuated as a precaution, and officers were seen searching a garden outside one of the houses.

A bomb squad from Catterick travelled to the scene to inspect the device before it was declared safe.

Northumbria Police said the bomb disposal unit was sent as a “precaution” and there was not believed to be any wider risk to the public.

It is understood the device was a World War Two bomb that was no longer live.

Sandra Tinkler, 69, who has lived on Barry Street for 14 years, spotted the World War II relic in a garden a few weeks ago, but did not think it was dangerous.

She said: “My neighbour came over and had a look at it. He screwed the top off and there was nothing inside and there was no pin. The look on the policeman’s face, he went white.”