Hamilton police are cautioning the public not to move discarded weapons or explosives after someone brought a grenade to the central police station Thursday morning.

Police temporarily shut down access to the 155 King William St. station around 10 a.m. while experts located and safely removed the grenade from the trunk of a parked vehicle, said police spokesperson Const. Steve Welton.

Officers were posted around the station and assisted the public in and out of the building through alternative doors.

The grenade was discovered in the home of someone who had recently passed away, he said.

Welton said police understand that sometimes people unknowingly inherit ammunition or weapons, or find them when go through a deceased family member's home. If anyone discovers these types of items, police urge the public not to touch them and to call police immediately at 905-546-4925, or 911 for an emergency.