The Met Police bomb squad descended on a Haringey housing estate earlier this year over what turned out to be a fake explosive device.
The incident, in Seven Sisters, was kept quiet at the time and only uncovered by a Newsquest Freedom of Information request.
Police were called in by Haringey Council housing officers who had attended a home in Watts Close, Tottenham, on the morning of July 22, “to carry out an inspection after it became void,” the council said.
When they entered, they were confronted by what looked like a military explosive device, which had been left on the kitchen counter.
They immediately called the police, which Haringey Council said was in accordance with official guidance.
Police officers attended and agreed with the council workers that the item was suspicious, the authority added.
Those officers “made the decision to call in specialist officers”, said the council.
The Met Police confirmed that its bomb squad “attended and examined the item”.
“It was found to be a dummy mortar shell which was removed and secured,” a spokesperson said.
As the item was a fake, the force added, “no offences had been committed and there was no further police involvement”.
“The safety of our residents and staff is always a top priority for the council,” said a Haringey Council spokesperson.
“We strongly encourage both staff and residents to follow government guidance when encountering suspicious items by reporting them to the police.
“It is clear that our officers acted in a proportionate and appropriate manner in this case.”
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