Update: Essex Police Secure Military Device Found At Newly Sold House

Several homes were evacuated after a potentially explosive military device was found at a recently-sold house in Essex, authorities said.

Essex Police Department
Photo Credit: *Essex Police on Facebook*

David Cifarelli

09/19/2022 1:29 p.m.

The evacuation was ordered after a cleaning crew found an aging mortar shell at a home on Wood Drive around 10:33 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, Police Chief Paul Francis said.

The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad responded shortly after the initial call and evacuated six homes as a precaution. Parts of Chebacco Lake were cordoned off as well, Francis added.

The device was seized and handed over the a US Navy explosive ordnance unit for disposal. The scene was cleared around 1:30 p.m., Francis said.

No one currently lives at the home and a search of the remaining parts of the house revealed no other suspicious or hazardous items, Francis said. No one was injured and there are no threats to the public.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Essex and receive free news updates.