Several residents of Coweta County had to be evacuated for hours after a torpedo was found near their homes Thursday morning, officials said.

Deputies, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the GBI were called to the area of Raymond Hill Road and River Park Drive regarding a suspicious item, Coweta sheriff’s office spokesman Toby Nix said. The caller advised 911 that it appeared to be a World War II torpedo.

“It is unknown at this time whether or not the ‘bomb’ is live ordinance, practice ordinance or replica,” Nix said Thursday afternoon.

Authorities assumed the torpedo to be live and took all precautions during the investigation. It has now been taken to be properly destroyed, Nix said.

Officials did not say where the item was located, but a photo seemed to show it next to some gardening supplies inside a garage.

The area was deemed safe about 2:45 p.m. and residents were allowed to return home.

— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.

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