Safety warning as rise in magnet fishing hobby sees anglers fish out guns and grenades in UK rivers

Hobbyists have been urged to stop fishing with super-strength magnets after guns and grenades were plucked from the bottom of Britain’s canals.

Magnet fishing has attracted an increasing number of enthusiasts after the unusual hobby was highlighted by England rugby star James Haskell earlier this year. 

But authorities are now cautioning against the activity after a number of dangerous objects were dredged up from Britain’s rivers and canals including several unexploded World War Two grenades and an Uzi submachine gun.

In June, Martin Andrews, 43, and his son Jack, 19, died while magnet fishing in a canal in Huddersfield. An inquest was opened and adjourned at Bradford Coroner’s Court.

The pair…