Bomb squad destroys explosives package at British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry

The British Ironwork Centre was closed for the remainder of the day after the package – believed to contain nitroglycerine – was found on on Thursday afternoon.

A controlled explosion was carried out at the centre last night, which had a 100 metre cordon thrown around it.

The centre was open for business as usual today.

Ben Knowles, operations director at the centre, said the substance was considered "too dangerous to transport".

It is understood the package was mistakenly donated to the centre as part of an appeal for people to hand in weapons to get them off the streets.

Nitroglycerine is a heavy, colourless, oily, explosive liquid that may explode when subjected to heat, shock or flame.

It is used in explosives such as dynamite and in propellants.

The package was obtained through the company's Save a Life, Surrender Your Knife Campaign.

Staff at the centre are working closely with all UK police constabularies to remove as many weapons off the streets as possible.

Mr Knowles said: "This is an extraordinary set of circumstances.

"We believe at this stage that the substance could have come into the company's possession through the weapon's amnesty and the company's nationwide collection."

He praised the police for their fast response. Five vehicles and a motorbike patrol attended the site.

"The decision was quickly made to call in the army bomb disposal team, who were looking at a controlled explosion on site as the substance is potentially considered too dangerous to transport," Mr Knowles said.

Prior to carrying out the controlled explosion, Mr Knowles said the bomb disposal team were walking around the site to determine the safest location to do so, as well as waiting for additional resources such as sandbags to arrive.

Sergeant Dave Clement, of West Mercia Police, said: "The centre acted quickly and efficiently, cordoning off the area and ensuring the package could pose no danger to visitors or staff. We commend them on the swift action taken.

"Few businesses would have responded so quickly in ensuring any risk, no matter how small, is adverted."

Terri-Ann Powell, spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, confirmed that the package had come from outside the force's area and that an investigation to determine the circumstances of the find is still in its early stages.

She said: "West Mercia Police was informed shortly before 2.45pm that a suspected explosive substance had been found in the Aston area of Oswestry.

"Bomb disposal experts from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) were informed and attended.

"This substance was not believed to be a danger to the public, but a 100-metre cordon was established to ensure public safety."

Weapons donated to the centre's campaign are being used to create a Knife Angel sculpture.