Police have sealed off a bridge over the River Eden after a suspected gun was found in the river ahead of the Appleby Horse Fair. The item was initially described by authorities as an “ordnance” and lead to the closure of an area known as The Sands in Appleby, Cumbria.
The discovery of the item was made as part of routine checks before the Appleby Fair by the RSPCA who allerted the police at around 12.15pm on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) have both been called to the site and the bridge and surrounding area have been cordoned off by police whilst they investigate.
A spokesperson for the police said: “Whilst this is ongoing, following advice from EOD colleagues, the bridge leading to The Sands will be closed to traffic in both directions until further notice, as will the horse wash and pedestrian pavements around and about the affected area.
“Old ordnances such as these can pose challenges in disposing of safely so people are asked to be patient and avoid the area whilst the work is carried out.”
According to CumbriaLive, the bridge over the River Eden has now been reopened.
The Appleby Horse Fair is an annual gathering of travellers in the town of Appleby which takes place in the first week of June.
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