Ford Mondeo grinding noise when engine started

hiya friend
unfortunately this can be a host of different things.you need to try & pinpoint where it's coming from. firstly you don't say what type of engine you have. any way slacken & remove fan belt, then start engine if noise has gone it narrows it down to either alternator bearings, water pump bearings, a/c or p/s pumps ( if fitted )try turning pulley of each mentioned item in turn, if any feel grindy, notchy then that's your problem sorted. ( don't forget to switch engine off before putting your hand down to turn pulleys ) another poss solution i that pulley / pulleys may be fowling on plastic timing cover. another way of tracing noise, get a large long ordinary screwdriver & with engine running, place the blade ( for example ) on alternator body, away from fan end & put your ear on wooden handle, if that is at fault, you will hear it no doubt. if not alternator, carry on with same principal untill you locate noise ( but for gawds sake KEEP SCREWDRIVER & BODY PARTS CLEAR OF FAN BLADES & ALL OTHER MOVING PARTS. good luck & let me know how you get on mate, regards dj dave.