An army bomb disposal unit was called to a charity shop after an unexploded shell was found in a donation.

The shell was spotted by a police community support officer at EllenorLions Hospices Shop in High Street, Swanscombe, at around 2.30 this afternoon.

The PCSO quickly evacuated the store and called in the authorities.

It is not known how the explosive device made its way into the donation but it is believed to have been from the Second World War.

It was not a live explosive, and no one was hurt.

Tim Stewart, Head of Retail at EllenorLions said: “As a charity we are reliant on donations, and we never know what we are going to receive, but a World War II shell was certainly unexpected.

"Staff and shop volunteers at our Swanscombe store took the necessary precautions by notifying the bomb squad and evacuating the shop.”

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