Mortar Found at Former Munitions Factory in Salford
The derelict ROF Patricroft
A site on Green Lane in the Eccles district of Salford was evacuated today after an unexploded WWII mortar shell was discovered during excavations for a new housing development. The site is the location of the former Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) Patricroft which operated during and after WWII.
The factory was designated as a machine shop and engineering ROF, producing parts for Bofors guns, tanks and other armoured vehicles. It was not engaged in the filling of munitions with explosives. It is possible that the mortar is a casing that was manufactured at the works and designated for filling elsewhere.
Post-WWII the factory manufactured shell cases and rocket motor tubes amongst other items before closing in the 1980s.
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has been mobilised to the site and will assess whether the device is live and deal with it as appropriate.
