Gatwick security scare after antique hand grenade found in passenger’s luggage

AN antique hand grenade packed in a passenger’s luggage caused an airport security scare.

Bomb squad officers were called to Gatwick on Sunday evening when the decommissioned device was detected in the woman’s checked-in case.

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An antique hand grenade packed in a passenger’s luggage at Gatwick caused a security scare[/caption]

The passenger is thought to have bought it at a shop while in Britain.

Police tracked down the woman — travelling with her family — on her flight to France before it left and she was questioned.

A source said: “No one was harmed and it’s reassuring to have seen emergency services swoop into action so quickly.

“But it was an incredibly daft thing to try to take on a plane.”

The flight was not delayed.

Sussex Police said: “Police were called to London Gatwick at around 8pm on Sunday after a prohibited item was found in an item of luggage.

“Officers responded swiftly and the relevant processes were followed in conjunction with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, and subsequently no threat was detected.

“The owner of the luggage was interviewed and, following further enquiries and liaison with relevant agencies, was issued with a conditional caution.”