Evacuations in Exmouth and Plymouth as Bomb Disposal Teams Address Two Separate Incidents
Residents Advised to Steer Clear of Plymouth's Martin Street Area Published at 07:27 GMT
Authorities from Devon & Cornwall Police have issued a public advisory for individuals to stay away from Martin Street in Plymouth and the surrounding roads. This caution comes in light of an unexploded World War II bomb that was unearthed on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a safety cordon that extends for 100 meters.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid the Millbay area to ensure safety and ease of operations. Officials have indicated that establishments such as Millbay Academy, Ballard House, and the Moxy Hotel will remain closed until the bomb disposal work is concluded.The Impact on Exmouth Residents—How Many Are Under Evacuation Orders? Published at 07:16 GMT
Chloe Parkman
BBC South West
A significant 400-meter evacuation cordon has been established in Exmouth following the discovery of an unexploded wartime device during routine dredging. But how many residents are affected? According to an FAQ page from the East Devon District Council (EDDC), approximately 5,000 individuals and around 2,000 properties are believed to be impacted by this finding made on Wednesday. The directive from military authorities is explicit: anyone residing within 400 meters of the device must evacuate their homes.Plymouth Bomb Disposal Operations Paused Overnight Published at 07:04 GMT
Bomb disposal experts from the Royal Navy, along with local police, have reported that due to nighttime conditions and the need for additional equipment, they were unable to secure the device on Wednesday. An update at 23:00 indicated that operations had been temporarily halted and would resume on Thursday morning. Residents living in the evacuated properties along Millbay Road, which falls within the 400-meter safety zone, were allowed to return home on Wednesday evening but may need to evacuate again on Thursday while the bomb is rendered safe. A firm 100-meter cordon was maintained overnight for safety.Details on the Suspected WWII Bomb Discoveries: Key Facts Published at 07:01 GMT
On Wednesday, two distinct incidents involving suspected unexploded ordnance were reported in Devon.
The first was located at a construction site on Martin Street in Plymouth, confirmed to be a 50-kilogram (110-pound) German WWII bomb.
The second device was extracted from the waters of Exmouth Marina during dredging activities.
Bomb disposal teams have been deployed to both locations, with safety cordons established.
Authorities have closed several roads and requested that the public refrain from entering these areas.
Temporary Accommodations for Displaced Residents Published at 06:50 GMT
In response to the evacuations, East Devon District Council has arranged overnight accommodations for about 35 residents from Exmouth, as stated by council leader Paul Arnott. Additionally, the town’s LED sports center was opened as a refuge for those in need of assistance, with about 30 individuals opting to stay there overnight. Furthermore, Devon County Council has secured lodging for another 60 people at a hotel in Exeter.Current Situation in Exmouth Published at 06:34 GMT
On Wednesday, Devon and Cornwall Police announced that a suspected unexploded ordnance had been "dredged out of the water." To support those displaced, Exmouth Leisure Centre was opened as a temporary shelter. A bomb disposal team from the Midlands has been dispatched to Exmouth, arriving at approximately 19:25 GMT on Wednesday. Military bomb disposal specialists are present on-site to assess the device and determine the safest disposal method. The local authority continues to urge the public to avoid the marina area until further notice.Closure of Evacuated School on Thursday Published at 06:30 GMT
Millbay Academy, which accommodates over 500 students, was evacuated on Wednesday. In a Facebook update, the institution announced that it would remain closed on Thursday.Evacuations in Plymouth and Exmouth Continue Published at 06:23 GMT
On Wednesday, residents in two areas of Devon faced evacuations as bomb disposal teams tackled separate discoveries of unexploded devices. Experts confirmed a 50-kilogram (110-pound) German WWII bomb was found at a construction site in the Millbay section of Plymouth, leading to a 400-meter cordon being enforced. Similarly, a 400-meter cordon remains around Exmouth Marina following the dredging of a suspected unexploded ordnance, necessitating the evacuation of nearby residences. The Royal Navy’s bomb disposal team based in Devonport is assisting in Plymouth, while a unit from the Midlands is actively engaged in Exmouth.
