Watch bomb squad carry out controlled explosion after 'ordnance' found at building site

Nearby residents spoke of hearing a shuddering bang which echoed through the town of Chester-le-Street.

Some residents say they were initially concerned after seeing bomb disposal vehicles in the area.

Chester-le-Street Police were called to a nearby building site after a piece of ordnance was unearthed.

Bomb disposal teams were called and the artillery piece was destroyed in a controlled explosion.

Footage posted by the police shows the controlled explosion at the site.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “This afternoon police responded to a report of a piece of ordnance having been unearthed at a building site in Chester le Street.

“With assistance from colleagues from bomb disposal, the article has been destroyed in a controlled explosion. If you heard a loud bang in the Chester le Street area this afternoon at around 1615hrs, this is why!