The diver found the 20in canister with 6in artillery shell while working on the Osney Lock gates at Oxford, according to the Oxford Mail. It was removed from the river and placed on the bank before being identified. The police were called and evacuated a 100m area around the bomb, as well as closing two nearby footbridges.

Police called in the Royal Logistics Corps' bomb disposal experts who, after examination, declared the shell inert and safe. It was then driven to RAF Northolt in West London.

'If anyone does find any object they think is suspicious they should leave it where it is and contact the police, who will in turn call us,' said Staff-Sgt Ed Henderson of the RLC.