A realistic-looking device mistaken for a live hand grenade prompted an emergency response in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, where the Guardia Civil was called to investigate.
The object, discovered by a passerby in the municipality of Yaiza, turned out to be an airsoft stun grenade commonly used in recreational combat games, but not before triggering full security protocols.
The alert was raised when a concerned citizen spotted the suspicious device during a walk and, alarmed by its appearance, reported it to authorities. Photographs of the object resembled a genuine hand grenade, prompting the immediate activation of safety measures.
A patrol from the Yaiza Guardia Civil arrived quickly on the scene, securing the perimeter to prevent public access. Given the uncertainty around whether the device was live or inert, the bomb disposal experts of the TEDAX unit were dispatched to assess the threat.
Upon their arrival, TEDAX officers examined the object and confirmed it was a non-explosive airsoft grenade. Despite the absence of any real danger, the team opted for a controlled on-site destruction to eliminate the possibility of future confusion or public alarm.
The Guardia Civil has used the incident as an opportunity to remind the public of the importance of reporting suspicious objects without attempting to move or handle them. They reiterated their commitment to public safety and thanked the citizen who reported the discovery, emphasising the vital role community cooperation plays in maintaining a secure environment.
