Magnet fishers told to stop over injury or death risks

Lucie Tiverrier, a bomb expert who works at Igne.com, said any physical interaction with an unexploded bomb could lead to injury or death if it detonates, and the rise in magnet fishing poses a risk.

Worcester Bridge was closed on Tuesday due to the unexploded ordnance discovered in the River Severn near the bridge.

A significant emergency service presence was at the river, which brought the city to a standstill.

READ MORE: Police sergeant seizes car after spotting it parked on a pedestrian crossing

The bomb that was magnet-fished out of the canal was detonated in Powick. (Image: NQ)

Ms Tiverrier, general manager of UK Land UXO, said: "This is not the first time that a magnet fishing hobbyist has discovered unexploded ordnance and brought a city to a standstill.

"It's a hobby that is growing as much in risk as it is in popularity.

"Earlier this year, two further unexploded grenades were pulled from a canal in the same city of Worcester.

READ MORE: Police officer 'took advantage' of vulnerable victim to have sex with them

"What needs to be understood is that any physical interaction with an unexploded bomb could result in detonation and ultimately injury, or even death.

Teams blowing up the bomb that was found in the River Severn. (Image: NQ)

"After all, ordnance is designed to kill. Thankfully, in today's case in Worcester, no one was hurt.

"As experts in the field, we work tirelessly to clear our land from unexploded ordnance (UXO) and keep people safe."

The Canal & River Trust has told magnet fishers to stop as war bombs do not pose a risk until they are out of the river and in a dry area. 

The Canal & River Trust added that even if a bomb is not found, heavy or sharp objects could drag magnet fishers into the water.

A spokesman said: "And, of course, there are instances like this one where people fish out old war bombs that do not present a risk while they are in the water, but once back out in the dry, can be hazardous," It added.

"For those keen on fishing, there are lots of ways to do this as an alternative to magnet fishing. And, if you're keen on helping to clean up the canal, why not join one of our regular volunteering groups?"

In response, James Drewball -  a magnet fisher for over five years - said groups pull tons and tons of scrap metal on a regular basis that has been polluting the local waterways.

"I have done magnet fishing for years and have never pulled a bomb out.

"It is not safer, but it is better than a child pulling it out or, after a flood, it floating down the stream and hitting something." 

He added magnet fishers also collect fishing hooks and wires, which could be getting stuck in animals, and teams work alongside boaters who alert them to metalwork getting caught on their boat.