Kent Police were scrambled at 11.04am on Thursday 20 November 2025 after a suspected World War II mortar shell was found on Top Dartford Road, Swanley.
The device, identified as a mortar bomb fired from an artillery weapon, triggered an immediate response from authorities. Officers quickly called in the Ministry of Defence bomb disposal team to assess the suspicious object.
Thankfully, experts confirmed the shell posed no danger and safely removed it, preventing any risk to local residents.
A police cordon was established between Princes Road and Bower Road, causing concern among the local community. The cordon was lifted shortly after the safe disposal of the shell.
The incident attracted attention on social media, with one local commenting, “Not what my husband was expecting to find today.” There have been unconfirmed reports that police visited neighbours and asked some to evacuate, though Kent Police have not verified these details.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called at 11.04am on Thursday 20 November 2025 to a report of a suspected wartime mortar shell in Top Dartford Road, Swanley. Officers attended the scene alongside a Ministry of Defence bomb disposal team, who determined the item to be of no threat. It has since been safely disposed of and a cordon, which was in place between Princes Road and Bower Road, has been removed.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
