Fake bomb and 'boom' note found in box on Paignton path Published duration 21 August 2018

image copyright Kingsbridge Police image caption The fake bomb had wires and tape around the cylinders and a pocket watch

A plastic box containing a fake bomb and a note with "boom" written on it was found on a public footpath.

Six plastic cylinders were discovered taped together in the container, along with a ticking pocket watch, in Paignton, Devon, on Monday afternoon.

A member of the public called 999 and police removed the box and destroyed its contents.

Officers suspect it was linked to Geocaching, a game where players track down clues and hunt for hidden boxes.

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A small notebook was found inside the box containing names and dates that people had visited it.

image copyright Getty Images image caption There are more than 2.7 million caches around the world

People on social media said the box was "in poor taste" and that police "have enough to deal with without time wasting pranks".