BOMB disposal units carried out a controlled explosion in a farmer’s field yesterday after a live anti-aircraft round was discovered in a canal.

A magnet fisher pulled the unexploded Second World War round from the Bridgewater Canal in Walton at around 10am on Sunday, December 5.

Police and the Army attended the scene, near to Walton Lea Road, before a controlled explosion was carried out nearby at around 12pm.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “Officers were called at 10.10am on Sunday, December 5, following reports that an unexploded Second World War anti-aircraft round had been found in Bridgewater Canal near to Walton Lea Road.

“A cordon was set up as a precaution and explosive ordnance disposal attended the scene.

“Following further examination, a controlled explosion took place a short time later in a nearby field.

“The canal towpath was closed as a result of the incident and people were asked to avoid the area as a precaution.”

Resident Paul Hoolihan, who has been magnet fishing for the past three years, made the discovery.

And this was not the YouTuber's first explosive find.

He told the Warrington Guardian: "I've had more than six hand grenades, all from within the north west canal system, but this was my first anti-aircraft missile.

"It's the find of a lifetime for most magnet fishers in the UK.

"Our group is called the North West Magnet Fishing Group, and we go out every Sunday to clean up canals, ponds and lakes for either the barge owners or angling associations."