A BUILDING site foreman has told of how his team unearthed a First World War bomb in an Oxfordshire village.

The Army's bomb disposal unit descended on Towersey near Thame on Wednesday, after the discovery was made in Chinnor Road.

READ AGAIN: Bomb disposal team dispatched to village

Sam McIntyre told the Oxford Mail how the shell was uncovered on a plot of land, where he and his colleagues are currently building four new houses for Christchurch Homes.

Far from a gentle reveal, the relic was hauled out of its hiding place by a piece of heavy machinery.

Digger driver Pete Knights was removing some hedges to make way for a new driveway.

Oxford Mail:

Pete Knights (left) and Sam McIntyre on site 

The 40-year-old, from Abingdon, scooped up more than he expected when he pulled out the shell.

Mr McIntyre said he took a photo and sent it to his father-in-law, who spent his working career in the RAF.

Oxford Mail:

The photo Mr McIntyre sent

The 41-year-old, from Witney, added: "He confirmed it was a shell and said I should call the police.

"When the police turned up they shut the site and block the road off."

Read more about recent bomb discoveries in Oxfordshire

Thames Valley Police confirmed it was called to reports of 'historic ordnance' being found by a member of the public at about 3.15pm.

Chinnor Road was cordoned off while experts made the scene safe.

The road closure was lifted at about 7.20pm and the builders were back on site as usual yesterday.

According to official figures, the Ministry of Defence was involved with the safe disposal of 450 German bombs from the Second World War between 2010 and 2018 - with an average of about 60 per year.