EXPLOSIVE experts were called out to deal with a potentially dangerous situation after a large metal object was discovered in a field.

The suspicious item was found by a group of metal detectorists searching an empty field in Washpool Lane, Smite, near Droitwich.

Keith Campbell is owner of KC Rally's metal detecting and was one of the people at the site when the item was found.

REMAINS: The hole where the item was uncoveredREMAINS: The hole where the item was uncovered (Image: Newsquest) He said: "I've been doing this for about five years now, I've found three hand grenades which the bomb squad had to be called out for but I've never found anything of this size.

Shortly after the discovery at around 12.15pm on Wednesday (November 6), the metal detectorists called West Mercia Police to get the object checked and, if needed, disposed of.

Read more: Stephenson Road closed off because of unexploded 'bomb'

Read more: 'Unexploded bomb' discovered in Droitwich field

The metal object was cylindrical in shape, with a small indent known as a strike at the centre of one of the ends.

"Because of the strike, even the bomb people were convinced that it was something they would have to come out and have a look at," Mr Campbell said.

CORDON: The area was blocked off while explosive ordinance checked the itemCORDON: The area was blocked off while explosive ordinance checked the item (Image: Newsquest) Two police canine units and the bomb disposal unit quickly arrived at the scene

"They removed it from the field and x-rayed the metal to see if there was a chance it would go off."

After testing the item, the bomb squad were confident that it was nothing more than a large piece of metal.

ORDINANCE: The metal object found in the fieldORDINANCE: The metal object found in the field (Image: Newsquest) A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We received a report of an unknown item which had been dug up on Washpool Lane near Droitwich.

"The Explosive Ordinance Disposal team were called out and have confirmed that the item was a large piece of metal and not dangerous.

"A cordon was put in place as a precaution while waiting for the EOD team to arrive."

While grateful the item was deemed safe, Mr Campbell was disappointed to lose out on valuable detecting time: "We had to call the dig to an end a few hours early which is a shame."