Wellington bomb scare device retrieved

The property owner had found a potential historic bomb while digging in their backyard. Photo / Glenn Taylor

After responding to a bomb scare at a Wellington address, a police spokesman said the device has now been retrieved.

He said it was a World War II practice mortar someone had likely kept as a souvenir.

The spokesman said the device was in no danger of going off.

"If people find anything that is military ordinance looking they should contact police and have it checked."

The device would now be disposed of, he said.