On a sunny Saturday afternoon in May, Oskar Reid’s leisurely day of magnet fishing turned into an unexpected encounter with what many would deem a nightmare scenario. As he fished along the banks of the river in Hoveton, near Wroxham, Oskar unwittingly unearthed an object that appeared to resemble an unexploded bomb from World War II. The alarming discovery immediately triggered a swift response from local authorities, who implemented safety measures that included evacuating the bustling King’s Head pub situated nearby, known for its lively beer garden.

Residing in Station Road, just a stone’s throw from the river, Oskar and his brother James Frost were initially indulging a shared hobby—one that has recently garnered both followers and concern. Magnet fishing, while an enjoyable pursuit for many, has seen an uptick in incidents involving the discovery of potentially dangerous unexploded ordnance. According to a report by the BBC, the Ministry of Defence has urged the public to report any finds of suspected live ordnance to the police. This incident underscores the broader pattern of discoveries across UK waterways, where grenades and similar devices have been reported.

As Oskar communicated his concern—initially thinking the object might be a bomb—his brother James noted its considerable weight and size, estimating it to be about 25cm long and weighing between 30 to 40 kilos. After placing the object back on the ground, the brothers took the prudent step of contacting the police, ensuring their safety and that of the public gathered in the vicinity. Their father, Terry Reid, emphasised their responsibility in alerting the authorities, recognising the potential risk, particularly given the pub’s proximity.

In a scene typical of many encounters with unexploded ordnance across the UK, local police established a 100-metre cordon around the river while the incident was assessed. Emergency response units, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Colchester, arrived promptly to appraise the situation. Fortunately, the initial fears were alleviated when the object was determined not to be explosive but likely to be a discarded shell—one that had lain undisturbed in the river’s depths for decades.

The swift actions of the Reid family, from the moment of discovery to the alerting of the authorities, garnered praise from local police. The incident reflects not only a personal scare but a broader public safety issue. Magnet fishing enthusiasts and bystanders alike are reminded of the hazards associated with this popular pastime, which, while not inherently hazardous, can lead to dangerous situations when unfamiliar objects are pulled from the depths. The Canal and Rivers Trust has previously warned of the risks of magnet fishing, citing instances where individuals have faced grave accidents or even drowned.

As the cordon was lifted and normalcy returned to Station Road and the King’s Head, it became clear that while this incident could have ended very differently, the vigilant actions of a young boy and his family helped mitigate what could have been a significant public safety risk. The Reids, having successfully navigated this chaotic day, may now bear an unexpected story of adventure—one heavily laced with lessons in safety and the vigilance required when engaging with the remnants of history lying beneath our waterways.

Source: Noah Wire Services