BOMB squad experts carried out a controlled explosion after a magnet fisherman found a hand grenade in a canal.

Police were called to Pennine Way, Burnley,  yesterday evening after the fisherman pulled the explosive weapon from the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

Officers called the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Regiment and put a small cordon in place until they arrived.

A controlled explosion was then carried out in a nearby field. Nobody was injured in the incident.

Inspector Mick Johnson said: "The grenade was found by someone who has been magnet fishing. They pulled up a grenade.

"A small cordon was put in place to prevent people from accessing the footpath.

"EOD attended at 6pm. The council assisted with obtaining sandbags and then a controlled explosion was undertaken in a nearby field. That concluded at 7.20pm."

Posting two photographs of the grenade, Lancashire Police ARV Tweeted: "Do you enjoy fishing, why not visit one of our lovely canals, you never know what you might catch."