Banger and chips

By PETE BELL
Sun Online

A CHIP factory was evacuated after a hand grenade was found in a batch of potatoes.

The McCain processing plant in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, was cleared when the Second World War device was discovered in a mud separating machine.

Bomb disposal experts from the Army Logistics Corps removed the device and carried out a controlled explosion in a nearby sports field.

The potatoes involved were imported from Belgium and Northern France, where some of the fiercest fighting of the two world wars took place.

McCain spokesman Will Hill today insisted there was nothing to be concerned about.

"Occasionally during the use of imported potatoes from Belgium and northern France, debris from the First and Second World War is found," he said.

"Our standard procedure was enacted and on advice from the police and the bomb squad, a 100-metre exclusion zone was set up to ensure the safety of our employees.

"This resulted in the evacuation of our factories until the bomb squad removed the item. There was no danger to the public on either day."