Rugby League game delayed because of replica grenade

A Championship rugby league match between Goole Vikings and Whitehaven was delayed by 80 minutes after a replica grenade was found next to the pitch.

Goole released a statement 30 minutes before the intended 15:00 BST kick-off time saying that Sunday's match had been delayed because of "an incident at the Victoria Pleasure Ground that is currently being handled by the relevant authorities".

Fans were advised not to arrive at the venue until 16:00 BST.

Humberside Police said: "Officers were called to Victoria Pleasure Ground in Goole on Sunday, 12 April to reports of a possible grenade being found in the area.

"A cordon was in place at the time whilst a specialist team were called to examine the item.

"Upon inspection the suspected grenade was found to be a non-explosive replica and was safely removed from the area."

The suspected grenade was found near the ground's athletics track which surrounds the pitch.

Play eventually got under way at 16:20 BST, with supporters told to return to the ground shortly before.

"We would like to thank the players, coaches, staff and supporters of both clubs for their patience and support," Goole said.

The Vikings fell to a 36-22 defeat which leaves them 18th in the Championship.