EXPLOSIVES experts carried out a controlled detonation on a bomb that had been lying in a garage for more than 20 years.

Two streets were blocked off and dozens of homes evacuated in Westbrooke Avenue, Hartlepool, after a resident called police on Thursday about what he had described as a Second World War detonator.

The man had believed the device was harmless until he read a newspaper article about the dangers of Second World War equipment.

After experts examined the device, they decided it was a German bomb and the Royal Logistic Corps bomb disposal unit was called from Catterick, in North Yorkshire.

Houses were evacuated in Westbrooke Avenue and neighbouring Caledonian Road until 8pm. The area was blocked off and the bomb was exploded at about 6.45pm.

Yesterday, the house, occupied by a couple and their two children, was empty.

A police spokesman said the family had read a newspaper article warning about the dangers posed by wartime relics and became concerned that the device, which they told officers they had for more than 20 years, could pose a risk.

The spokesman said: "We cordoned off the street for about 100 metres in each direction while a controlled explosion was carried out."

Speaking yesterday, one neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "Everyone stood at the top of the street. There were people coming back from work asking what was going on.

"You heard the explosion, but it was only a little one and it was clear that there were no real problems."

Dave Husband, 53, also of Westbrooke Avenue, said he was not too worried because the police and bomb disposal unit had the situation under control.

Another woman, who did not want to be named, said she had been worried because she thought her daughter was in the house on her own.

"I tried to get through but I was told everyone had been evacuated and there was nothing to be alarmed about," she said.