Bomb squad called after mortar found on Otago Uni campus

The bomb disposal squad has been called after what appears to be a WWII-era mortar shell was found in the Water of Leith this afternoon.

Originally there were thought to be two shells in the river, which flows through the university campus.

Police were called to the scene about 12.30pm, after the discovery under a bridge on Clyde St.

A police spokesman said the area where the mortar was found was cordoned off but but the road was still open, and police were awaiting advice from the bomb disposal team. 

Police have secured the scene where two WW2 era mortar shells have been found. Photo: Gregor...
Police have secured the scene where two WW2 era mortar shells have been found. Photo: Gregor Richardson

Police were speaking to the bomb disposal team, who are based in Christchurch, over the phone and it was not yet known if they would need to travel Dunedin.

The shell was discovered buried about 1m deep by contractors working on the Otago Regional Council's flood protection scheme.

The area had been secured and Campus Watch were assisting.

Old mortar shells were found at a building site on Clyde St in July.

The shells were found to be empty and deemed scrap metal.

At the time police were unable to comment on why they might have been in the building, but said they were "historic". 

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