Arbroath TikToker discovers grenade while cleaning river

Josh Donaldson, known as Earthdrop, made the discovery on Saturday afternoon

An Arbroath TikToker has discovered a grenade in an Angus river
Author: Chloe ShawPublished 3rd May 2022
Last updated 3rd May 2022

An Arbroath TikToker has discovered a grenade in an Angus river -- just days after Tay News heard of his river cleaning efforts.

Josh Donaldson, known as Earthdrop to his followers, had a shock on Saturday afternoon, after he discovered what looked like a grenade in a valley near the condor base while cleaning the river.

The Arbroath TikToker has gained a following of over 1.4 million people by posting videos of his river cleans and other nature efforts on the app.

He told us how he stumbled upon the device: "I went to throw the rake in front of me and notice what looked like the pin from a grenade on the top, which I can only take reference from video games, but it certainly looked like a grenade to me, so immediately I had to pause and consider calling the police."

"I had to take a couple of steps back and think about my options pretty carefully. I wasn't afraid, per say because, I mean, it was old and rusted and had sat there for a long time, so I did kind of gather as long as I didn't disturb it I should be okay."

"I was a little relieved that I had avoided it with my rake."

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Meet the Arbroath TikToker having a world-wide impact

Alongside a following of over a million people, Josh, known as Earthdrop on the app, has received over 9.4 million likes on his river cleaning content.

But this dramatic discovery, which prompted police and a bomb squad to attend the scene, hasn't put Josh off.

"It hasn't put me off at all. I was down there again the next day, I was just a little bit disappointed that I had to leave, I'd not long started my day and I just got cracking picking up bits and pieces and then was interrupted by the bomb squad."

Earthdrop on TikTok

Police called to safely dispose of the item

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of an item of suspected ordnance found near Arbroath shortly before midday on Saturday, 30 April.

“Explosive Ordnance Disposal was made aware and attended to safely destroy the item.”

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