Possible military explosive found in Hanko, police cordon off area

Police have cordoned off a section of Koverharintie road in Hanko after a suspected military explosive was found near the intersection with Hietaniementie, Yle reports.

The object was spotted by a member of the public about five metres from the road. Authorities have sealed off roughly 150 metres around the site, disrupting traffic. The operation is expected to last several hours.

Defence Forces personnel are en route to handle the possible ordnance, as disposal falls under their jurisdiction, according to Sari Ryyhnänen, duty officer at the Western Uusimaa Police Department. Police currently have no further details on the device and are securing the area. The situation on site is reported as calm.