A ROAD that was closed following a report of an "unexploded bomb" turned out to be a shell in the river.

Police had shut Bypass Road in Romsey due to an incident between The Cornwell Arms and A27 on Saturday, at 2.30pm.

The road was closed while officers waited for a military bomb disposal team to remove the device.

It was previously believed that an unexploded shell or bomb had been found in the River Test next to the causeway.

Hampshire Chronicle:

But police have now revealed it was an 18-inch shell that was discovered by a magnet fisherman.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "They have now taken the device away having declared it safe enough to do so and will dispose of it.

"The incident was over and the road re-opened shortly before 6pm."