Metal bits from what looks like a broken spring inside the starter engine housing.

[gdp]

Found some metal bits from what looks like a broken spring inside the starter engine housing. What can it be from?
Please see the attached picture.


The starter motor stopped working after some metallic rattling / grinding sound coming from the drivers front side (UK) while driving along 40mph.
After removing the starter engine, cleaning all the bits inside the housing and stuck on the gears, the car starts and the motor sounds fine, turn the car around in the driveway all fine but didnt drive out yet fearing something could happen.
I can't understand what broke!!

Thanks in advance.
gp

39116

[Roverfan]

Looks like clutch springs

[VAG-Abound]

I thought the same, but am not familiar enough with engine to know if something else might be nearby as well.

[Crasher]

Friction plate disc springs