Boy unknowingly brings inactive WWII Grenade to class; head teacher safely removes item, prompting emergency response and police warning to parents
Ashbourne, England, May 18 – A routine show-and-tell session at Osmaston Church of England Primary School took a dramatic turn when a student unexpectedly pulled out a World War II-era hand grenade, prompting an emergency response from local police and bomb disposal experts.
The startling incident unfolded on Friday when the young boy brought the grenade — a family heirloom — to school without his parents’ knowledge. Head teacher Jeanette Hart acted quickly, removing the grenade from the child and placing it behind a tree in the parking lot.
“I wasn’t 100% happy carrying it, to be honest,” Hart told the BBC. “It looked old and I thought it might be safe, but I didn’t want to take the risk.”
Authorities were immediately called in, including officers from the Matlock, Cromford, Wirksworth and Darley Dale Police SNT. A bomb squad assessed the device and determined it was a deactivated “grade 5” hand grenade, confirmed safe via x-ray analysis.
“The EOD [Explosive Ordnance Disposal] team confirmed it was not live and posed no danger,” police said in a statement on Facebook, sharing that even detailed x-ray images were reviewed.
Hart recalled the surreal moment in the school assembly. “It was going fine… one boy brought in an old bullet case, which I was aware of. But then his friend pulled out a hand grenade — that, I was not expecting.”
Most students were unaware of the potential danger and were ushered outside while emergency personnel secured the area.
Following the event, Hart spoke with the boy and his family. “It was entirely innocent,” she said. “He didn’t really know what it was. He knew it was from the war and thought it was interesting.”
Police used the opportunity to urge parents to double-check their children’s belongings, especially when bringing items from home to school.
“Just a word of guidance for parents and guardians — double-check what your kids are taking to show and tell, especially when they are family heirlooms,” they advised.
No injuries were reported, and school activities resumed shortly after the all-clear was given.