URANIUM and explosives have been found at recycling tips in Hampshire.

Hampshire County Council has issued a warning after Second World War shells were found while depleted uranium was discovered at the Household Recycling Centre in Segensworth.

Among the items found at tips in 2015 were a mortar bomb discovered in Segensworth and two Second World War shells in Gosport.

A hand grenade from the Second World War was also found in a bin Gosport while two more shells from the conflict were found in Segensworth.

Depleted uranium, which can be used in armour, ammunition and nuclear weapons, was found in Segensworth last year.

Other items found in recycling centres across Hampshire included a smoke grenade in Paulsgrove and a railway explosive cap in Havant.

Council environment and transport chief Sean Woodward said: "On rare occasions items are deposited that could put the safety of site staff and residents using the HWRC at risk. Unfortunately the items can be wrapped or hidden in some way so they are not immediately obvious to site staff.

"Examples in the past have included replica or spent ammunition, aeronautical instruments, other military items and, on one occasion, a piece of depleted uranium.

"The discovery of potentially dangerous items such as these is possibly not that surprising in an area with a significant and historic military presence."

Anyone who discovers potentially hazardous items such as explosives or wants advise on where to dispose of them should contact the council on 0300 555 1389.