A young boy in Leeds made a dangerous discovery while out magnet fishing with his father. Seven-year-old Ian Platt was using magnets to search for treasure when he pulled up a large artillery round from the River Aire in the centre of Leeds. Believing it to be live, Mr Platt immediately contacted the police and kept the device submerged in the water until they arrived.
West Yorkshire Police were called to the scene at 12:46 GMT and immediately closed off the area as a precaution. Army bomb disposal experts were also called in to safely destroy the device in a controlled explosion, which took place around six hours later.
Mr Platt, who is part of the Queen of Magnet Fishing group, said that it was not unusual to find items such as metal coins or shopping trolleys while magnet fishing, but this was the first time they had found something so dangerous. He emphasised the importance of following proper protocol when making such a discovery, including setting up a cordon and contacting the authorities.
This incident highlights the importance of caution and safety when engaging in activities such as magnet fishing. While it can be a fun and rewarding hobby, it is essential to be aware of potential hazards and to follow proper safety procedures to avoid accidents or injury. In this case, the quick thinking and responsible actions of Mr Platt and his son prevented a potentially dangerous situation from turning into a tragedy
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