ROCKLAND, Maine — Update 10:43 p.m.:
Police report the grenade was altered and did not pose a danger to the public.
The grenade was reportedly left by a person who had lived at the residence, but moved out in 2015, according to Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss.
The Maine State Police Bomb Team has removed the explosive and is expected to dispose of the grenade, police say.
Original story:
Several homes in Rockland were evacuated Thursday night as police investigate a possible explosive device.
Maine State Police Bomb Squad, Rockland Police, and the Fire Marshal's Office are on the scene, according to the Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss.
Moss said the area around James Street was closed for several hours as emergency crews responded.
Rockland Police Sgt. Scott Redmun told NEWS CENTER Maine they responded to a home at 24 James St. around 6 p.m. Thursday after someone discovered a grenade.
Redmun said the device was secured and there is no danger to the public.
The investigation is ongoing. No further information has been released at this time.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.