Tradies stunned after finding suspected bomb hidden behind fireplace in Port Adelaide

Tradies working on an old Port Adelaide building have been left stunned to discover what appeared to be a “live bomb” hidden behind a fireplace.

Brad Harrison was among the builders renovating the St Vincent Street property when they made the explosive discovery about 3.30pm on Monday.

“As we were pulling away the underneath of the fireplace, my work colleague pulled out a heavy metal object and upon closer inspection, we realised it was what looked to be a mortar,” Harrison told the ABC.

He described the object as resembling a mortar, with fins and a circular base.

“We didn’t know exactly what it was and what it might have been used for, but we did know that it resembled a bomb,” he said.

The builders called South Australia Police and were initially told the object appeared to be a bomb with its primer still intact.

“It was live. So if the bottom plate of it was hit hard enough, it would have shot off,” Harrison said.

“We were using crowbars and hammers and all sorts to tear the fireplace apart. Pretty close call.”

Police called in the Australian Defence Force to assess and dispose of the device.

It was ultimately determined to be an improvised mortar device that was not of military origin and contained no explosive or detonation device.

It remains unclear how the device came to be hidden behind the fireplace or how long it had been there.

SA Police confirmed no one was injured and there was no risk to the public.

“If members of the public locate or wish to surrender any explosives or related materials, they should not touch them or bring them into a police station,” police said in a statement.

“Instead, the public are asked to note the item’s appearance, take a photograph if safe to do so and call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.”