Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion in East Peckham today.

Police were called to a home in Addlestead Road at 9.20am following reports of an unexploded device, believed to be a Second World War hand grenade.

It was thought to have been found at the rear of the property by a gardener.

A team of bomb disposal experts from the Ministry of Defence was called to the scene.

A Kent Police spokesman said residents were advised before a controlled explosion was carried out. No one had to be evacuated.

One villager said: "I heard a bang over the fields but I assumed it was just a bird scarer, I never dreamt it was the bomb squad."

Officers had left the scene by 1.45pm.