2 days ago
Bomb squad called to Colchester charity shop after live 'rocket' donated
BOMB experts were called to a Colchester charity shop after workers discovered a rocket they thought was a model was actually live ammunition.
Emergency services were called to the RSPCA Essex Mid & North's charity shop in Prettygate Road during the incident.
Manager Tara Abbott, 35, and her team had been going through a bag of donations which had been left outside the shop's side entrance.
The volunteers found a large rocket weighing around 'two or three kilos' which the team thought must be a replica or a model.
But Ms Abbott, from Clacton, said alarm bells started ringing after they looked at the bottom of the missile.
She set it aside in her office to research properly with the team believing it was unlikely it would be live.
Charity shop - RSPCA Essex Mid and North branch's charity shop in Prettygate Road (Image: RSPCA Essex Mid and North branch) But the next day, Ms Abbott said she remained concerned and sent pictures to the police.
She said Essex Police attended within 15 minutes with an army bomb disposal unit officer.
Ms Abbott said: 'I thought I would deal with it when we have more time, I needed to sit down and research.
'We never thought in a million years someone would donate a live piece of ammunition.
'It wasn't until I went home and sent some photos, people told me I need to deal with it now.
Manager - Tara Abbott with her dog Jasper (Image: Tara Abbott)
The rocket (Image: RSPCA Essex Mid and North branch)
"On Thursday, I explained the situation to the police, we had the police, and an army bomb disposal person turn up.'
Once the rocket was safely removed from the shop, it was later confirmed it was 'live ammunition'.
The charity shop manager said she felt 'panic and a sense of dread' after sharing the images.
'It was over and done with so quickly', she said.
Close up - the rocket (Image: RSPCA Essex Mid and North branch) 'In the beginning, it did cross our minds, shall we contact the police, but I've worked in charity shops for 18 years and never had anything donated like it in my life.
'The shock kicked in, there was disbelief.'
Ms Abbott added: 'Thankfully, no one was harmed and our brilliant team at Prettygate is still in one piece.
'But let this be a gentle reminder to double-check your donations, especially if you're clearing out the garage, shed or loft.
'We're incredibly proud of our staff for staying calm and acting quickly and immensely grateful to the emergency services for their response.'
Live ammunition - the rocket (Image: RSPCA Essex Mid and North branch) Essex Police and the army were contacted for a comment.
