Controlled explosion rocks Perth homes

Bomb disposal experts were called in to Perth to detonate an unexploded bomb on Tuesday.

The Second World War era mortar shell was reportedly transported to a field at Corsiehill in the Fair City to be destroyed.

And the resultant explosion, with security tight around the Muirhall Road area, saw people reporting a loud bang about 4.30pm, causing some to go outside and investigate.

Residents in Kinnoull Hill, Scone and central Perth spoke of hearing the loud bang, with some of those nearby saying it shook their homes.

Initial reports claimed the device was a vintage fire extinguisher or fire extinguishers.

Officers approached a landowner to use a field for the destruction of the piece. Police stopped traffic in the area to prevent people being alarmed.

Councillor Peter Barrett, a local resident, was one of those who felt the impact of the explosion.

He said: “The whole house shook. It felt as if a lorry had run into the house, so I went out to see what had happened.

“It was about 4.30pm and I could see a police cordon with blue flashing lights, and I then thought it might have been a car crash or a police chase.

“It was only when I got closer that I saw a heavy vehicle, a police response unit I think, with a logistics vehicle marked bomb disposal.”

Another local resident got in touch with the PA to say: “It was a terrific bang, and I am surprised that as we lived so close by the police didn’t give us a warning. It certainly shook my home when I was watching a good bit in Deal or No Deal.”

Police Scotland did not issue a statement, forwarding all inquiries to the explosive ordnance team.

A spokesperson for the MoD said the device was “not dangerous” but it was destroyed as a precaution. A Navy disposal team carried out its destruction.