BOMB disposal experts were called to a former gun club after ammunition and flares were discovered by a family clearing out the premises after the owner died.

Businessman Jim Greenwood, ran Spennymoor Tyre Centre, in Spennymoor, County Durham, until he died last month.

His family called the police on Thursday (October 30) afternoon after discovering the objects at the Barnfield Road site when they were clearing it out in preparation for putting it on the market.

Officers rushed to scene and after initial investigation called in the bomb disposal unit to remove the explosives.

The items are believed to have been left from when the site was a shooting range for a gun club.

Durham Police confirmed there was never any risk to the public.

There will not be a criminal investigation but officers remained at the scene today (Friday)

One resident, who lives near to the scene, said: “Nothing like this happens around here. It was quite a shock when I saw all the police vans outside.

“I don’t know what they have found but I know it use to be a gun club.”

Another woman added: “I think it has been empty for a while. I saw the police and people have been talking about it.”

A spokesman for Durham Police said: “The former owner of the premises has recently died and the family were in the process of clearing out the tyre centre when they came across a considerable amount of ammunition and other items.

“It related to when the site was used as a shooting range and remained there since it closed down. However, due to changes in legislation these items should not have been there.

“Bomb disposal experts were called to remove the items and they have now completed their work. Officers will remain on site for the next few days to carry out checks before it is handed back to the family.

“There will be no criminal investigation and no threat to public safety.”