Residents remain evacuated from their homes after wartime bombs found in Devon
Police say it's unclear when people will be able to return home
People remain evacuated from their homes in Exmouth this evening (15/01) after an unexploded wartime ordnance was discovered during routine dredging yesterday (14/01).
Authorities say the WW2 ordnance found in Exmouth is "much larger" than a second historic device also discovered yesterday at a construction site in Plymouth.
A 400m Cordon remains in place, with around 2,000 homes in Exmouth affected.
In an update earlier today Police said it is unclear when people will be able to return to their homes:
In the latest update at 2:30pm this afternoon East Devon District Council said: "
"Emergency services, local councils and other public service partners are continuing to work closely following the discovery of a significant Second World War unexploded device at Exmouth Marina.
"The device was uncovered during routine dredging operations on Wednesday and prompted an immediate, coordinated multi-agency response.
"Specialist military bomb disposal teams remain on site today, assessing the device and determining the safest method for disposal.
"A precautionary 400m safety cordon remains in place around the marina, with approximately 2,000 homes affected.
"Residents within the cordon are still unable to return home at this time while expert assessments continue.
"Exmouth beach is also closed today as a precaution."
Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council, said:
“This is an understandably unsettling situation for residents, and we are grateful for the patience and cooperation shown by the community.
"Our focus is on safety, supporting those affected, and working with specialist teams to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible.”
"Residents affected by the cordon are encouraged to check this page and Frequently Asked Questions page for the latest information and advice."
Meanwhile, in Plymouth enhanced scanning equipment was expected to arrive to assess the unexploded WW2 device discovered in Millbay.
Plymouth City Council said that this will "help determine" how to make the device safe.
It has also been announced that Millbay academy will remain closed tomorrow.
In a statement today Matthew Bisco, Head of School at Millbay Academy said:
“We are very grateful to our local community for their support yesterday, including the surprise delivery of food parcels for staff working late. Special thanks go to the Plymouth Diocese, Canon Mark, and his team, who accommodated over 500 people at short notice, helping us evacuate safely and dismiss students to their families in an orderly way.
“The school remains closed today while the bomb disposal operation is carried out. Parents and carers have been kept informed and online learning arrangements are in place.
"Events like this can be worrying for families, and we are proud of how everyone stayed calm and supportive throughout. We are in regular communication with police and local authorities which is helping us ensure the safety of students and staff is central to our response."
The Moxy Hotel which was evacuated last night will also remain closed tomorrow.
An 100m cordon remains in place and the council say any vehicles parked within the cordon area, including those in the Brunel Car Park, cannot be accessed or removed until the cordon is lifted.