Grenade find shuts off lane
BOMB disposal experts were called to Ormskirk on Tuesday after a WWII grenade was found.
Officers closed off Ring O’ Bells Lane for more than two hours after it was found at the roadside.
Residents had reported seeing a heavy police presence and a bomb disposal vehicle.
Police and members of the Army dealt with the incident after the grenade was discovered by a passer-by.
Lancashire police said: “We were called shortly after 5.30pm after a WWII relic grenade was found by a member of the public.
“The scene was secured while EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) was contacted.
“They attended and made sure things were safe and the scene was cleared by 7.40pm.”
THE devastated partner of an Ormskirk woman who died in a diving tragedy has paid tribute to his “flower” after he unknowingly watched the rescue operation to try and save her while out walking his dogs.
Mother-of-four Carole Linda Edwards, 51, disappeared off the Northumberland coast near the Farne Islands just after 11am on Sunday.
The swimming instructor from Westhead was with fellow members of the Phoenix Sub Aqua Club, a group based at the Nye Bevan Pool in Skelmersdale.
In a statement shared with the Advertiser, Neil Hyde, 51, said: “Carole was a dearly-loved mother, daughter, sister, stepmother and aunty. She was tragically lost while pursuing her passion for scuba diving in the Farne Islands.
“She taught hundreds of primary school children to swim at Park Pool and was a lifeguard at the London Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.
“As well as scuba diving, Carole was a keen artist and also shared my love of all things aviation.
“She was a lovely, lovely lady who will be missed by all who knew her. Goodbye flower.”
Neil was walking his dogs by the harbour in Seahouses, close to the scene, and watched as lifeboats were launched.
Carole had been reported missing and coastguard rescue teams carried out a search and rescue operation including helicopters and lifeboats.
She was recovered by a passenger vessel and transferred to a lifeboat which brought her back to shore.
She died shortly after being pulled from the water.
Ian Clayton, lifeboats operations manager in Seahouses, said: “Her partner heard the sirens go off at the lifeboat station, and he came down to see what was happening.
“He was then told that the lifeboat was launching to go to the assistance of a boat that’s reported a diver missing. That was his partner, and he didn’t know at that immediate time.”
Carole was a former London Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games lifeguard, and a mother to William, 24 and Rosie, 21, and stepchildren James, 24, and Helena, 22.
Tributes were paid to Carole on social media. Joe Mercer said: “Such a gorgeous, kind, lovely lady, so so sad the loss for all her family, partner and friends.
“And thank you for all your time you gave to the young swimmers of Ormskirk. “You were one in a million.” Helen Clucas said: “Deepest condolences to family and friends we were there that day and saw the lifeboat crews work tirelessly in the hope of a positive outcome. Such a sad day.“
Mr Clayton said it had been the first weekend of the diving season.
He added: “What happened was obviously some sort of accident that’s happened whilst the lady’s been in the water.
“We are unsure how this tragedy occurred, but our thoughts are very much with the deceased lady’s partner, friends and dive colleagues.
“Police are now conducting inquiries, which will be referred to the coroner.
“This was a very harrowing incident for all concerned.”
Phoenix NW Sub Aqua Club said it was ‘‘deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and fellow diver, Carole Edwards’’.
The club added: ‘‘Carole was an enthusiastic diver and member of the club... and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
‘‘The club wishes to extend their condolences to Carole’s partner and family at this difficult time.’’