Homes were evacuated after a box of Second World War hand grenades were found in an attic.

Police and bomb disposal teams were called to a house in Pond Lane, Drayton, at 4.50pm on Monday after reports the potentially dangerous weapons had been found.

People were evacuated from neighbouring homes for almost three hours while the grenades were made safe.

One neighbour said: 'The police arrived and at first we didn't know what was going on. I wouldn't say we were scared. It all seemed to be handled very well and I was confident there wouldn't be an explosion.'

The occupant of the house, believed to be a widow who has lived in the area for about 20 years, did not want to speak about what happened.

However, the Evening News understands her Army veteran husband died eight years ago and the grenades may have been kept as a memento.

A police spokesman confirmed the report and said steps were taken to ensure public safety.

Bomb disposal teams completed their work at 8.10pm and people were allowed to return to their homes shortly afterwards.

Do you have a story for the Evening News? Contact Ben Kendall on 01603 772423 or email ben.kendall@archant.co.uk