A few moments of excitement in a South End neighborhood after the discovery of an explosive device.

New Bedford Fire Chief Michael Gomes says fire crews were called to 41 Ruth Street Wednesday afternoon where an old artillery shell had been found. Several houses in the area were immediadetely evacuated, including Kelly Robinson's home at 53 Ruth Street. "The fire department came knocking at our door, telling us to leave because there was explosives across the street. (They) told us to grab our stuff and just go," said Robinson.

Chief Gomes says the evacuations were made as a precaution, and the State Police Bomb Squad was called in. "The State Police Bomb Squad evaluated the device, and they identified that it was a piece of ordinance. Typically the State Police remove it and take it to an undisclosed location and will usually blow it (up) in place in order to render it safe," explained Gomes.

Robinson and other residents were told to return to their homes a short time later, after the shell had been safely removed by the State Police Bomb Squad.

Chief Gomes says the shell was likely hauled in by fishermen, and had been stored on the property for some time. No injuries were reported.

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