Update: Bridge reopened in Appleby after ordnance found in river

The following was released by Cumbria Constabulary at 2pm today (6 June)

The bridge in Appleby has been reopened after the ordnance recovered from the river today (6 June) was found to be an inert training round.

It is believed the object had been in the river for some considerable time.

All cordons and road closures have now been lifted.

The police would like to thank both the local and Gypsy and Traveller communities for respecting the cordon put in place this afternoon.

Previous Release – 1pm, 6/6/23

As part of the organisation’s usual pre-Fair checks of the River Eden at The Sands in Appleby, this afternoon (6 June), the RSPCA have reported finding a suspected ordnance within the river.

The discovery occurred at around 12.15pm today and the RSPCA swiftly informed police colleagues.

The police have contacted the MoD and an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Team have been contacted to attend and safely dispose of the ordnance.

Whilst this is on-going, following advice from EOD colleagues, the bridge leading to The Sands will be closed to traffic in both directions until further notice, as will the horse wash and pedestrian pavements around and about the affected area.

Old ordnances such as these can pose challenges in disposing of safely so people are asked to be patient and avoid the area whilst the work is carried out.