Unexploded World War Two bombs safely disposed of in Devon
Residents return home following two separate wartime evacuation operations in Exmouth and Plymouth
Last updated 16th Jan 2026
Two wartime unexploded bombs discovered in Exmouth and Plymouth have been safely disposed of, with evacuated residents now able to return to their homes.
In Exmouth, the discovery of the device near the marina triggered significant safety measures, including the evacuation of hundreds of residents.
Emergency services extended the cordon from 400 metres to 600 metres, displacing an estimated 500 additional households on Thursday evening, as work was undertaken to take it out to high tide early on Friday morning.
Thousands spent two nights away from their homes, with an Evacuation Assembly Point set up at Exmouth LED Leisure Centre to support those unable to stay with friends or family.
Bomb disposal teams transported the device out to sea during high tide for a controlled detonation.
Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, and other partners remain in the town to oversee the recovery phase of the operation.
Councillor Paul Arnott, DCC Deputy Leader and EDDC Leader, thanked residents for their cooperation and commended the teams involved for their work ensuring safety.
Assistant Chief Constable Nicki Leaper also acknowledged the community’s patience.
“We understand this has been an extremely unsettling time for the community, especially those who have been displaced from their homes, but safety has been our overriding concern throughout,” Leaper said.
Residents in Plymouth's Millbay area faced a similar situation after another wartime device was discovered earlier this week.
Around 800 people were evacuated so specialists could securely remove the bomb.
Bomb disposal teams transported the device to Plymouth’s King Point Marina before carefully taking it out to sea for a controlled detonation in the early hours.
The cordons in both Exmouth and Plymouth areas have now been lifted, allowing residents to return home. Officials in both towns have expressed gratitude for the cooperation and patience shown during these operations.
Millbay Academy in Plymouth announced it would remain closed today following the evacuation.
Read more: Thousands spend second night evacuated in Exmouth over unexploded bomb
Read more: Residents remain evacuated from their homes after wartime bombs found in Devon
Read more: Hundreds remain evacuated after two wartime bombs found in Devon
Read more: Suspected unexploded ordnance dredged out of water near Exmouth Marina
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