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BENDIGO police have urged fossickers to be cautious in bushland near the Bendigo cemetery in Quarry Hill after the discovery of two antique grenades buried in the area on Saturday. Police believe there may be more antique – and possibly dangerous – relics of war buried by veterans or their families near the cemetery in the aftermath of World War Two. Two women fossicking for gold in the area discovered the grenades, later found to be 36 millimetre drill grenades with no explosive inside, at 9.30am. They alerted police who quickly closed off five roads in the area and evacuated 15 residents from Connolly and Wirrana streets, and stopped the public from entering the cemetery. The area was closed until 3pm when officers from the Australian Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team arrived to inspect and remove the grenades. Acting Sergeant Grant Polglase said fossickers should be aware of potentially dangerous items buried in the area. “Everyone can come back in, but I do say to be aware that there could be more situated out there when you’re fossicking or gold detecting or whatever, so keep an eye out for them,” he said. “It’s always better to be safe than sorry.” Despite the potentially explosive discovery, police were eager to ensure that there was no risk to public safety from the two grenades. They urged anyone who finds similar items to not touch them, and contact Bendigo police. Sergeant Mick Delaney said police had the public’s safety at front of mind. He said it was likely a veteran or relative buried the grenades. UPDATE 1.30pm: Police have reopened roads and significantly reduced the exclusion zone around the discovery of grenades in the Quarry Hill cemetery. Traffic can now pass through Houston, Russell and Peel streets. Police are now focusing their attention on an area near Wirrana Street, which remains closed along with Connolly Street. The grounds of Quarry Hill cemetery are also closed. Police say the grenades are likely to be less powerful than first suspected. Sergeant Mick Delaney said they appeared to be M36 drill grenades – a relic of World War Two. The bomb squad remains on its way from Melbourne. EARLIER: The discovery of multiple antique grenades buried in Quarry Hill cemetery has led to the evacuation of 15 nearby residents on Saturday morning. Two young women notified police at 9.30am after discovering the grenades near a burial site in the cemetery. The grenades had previously been buried, police believe, and may have recently become exposed. Residents in Connolly and Wirrana streets have been evacuated while the bomb squad makes its way up from Melbourne to investigate. A number of road closures are in place, and will remain in place throughout the afternoon, including the closure of Houston, Russell, Peel, Wirrana and Connolly streets. Sergeant Mick Delaney said they will know more when the bomb squad arrives about 2pm. “Local residents have been notified of this and evacuated accordingly, and will be notified when the area is safe to return,” he said. “Until we get cleared or the bomb squad say the area is clear, these streets will be closed until further notice. “There is no risk to the public at this moment, but we have the public’s safety first and foremost, hence why we have our traffic management points in place.”

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