NORTH Yorkshire police have apologised in advance for an early awakening before they detonated an unexploded shell.

Police said they were guarding an area of Walmgate Stray in York after an unexploded shell was discovered.

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The shell was reportedly found by a member of public who was using a metal detector on Thursday September 2.

Explosive experts from the Ministry of Defence were set to carry out a controlled explosive at 6.30am this morning.

Police say the device was to be detonated in situ as this was safer than taking it away to be detonated.

Officers did not believe there would be any need to move anyone from their homes due to the secluded location.

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A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police, said: “Apologies in advance if anyone gets an earlier awakening than usual!”

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