Cordon lifted after detonation of Plymouth bomb
The unexploded device discovered in Southway has been successfully rendered safe
Last updated 3 hours ago
The unexploded device, discovered in Southway, has been successfully rendered safe this morning by Royal Navy and Army unexploded ordnance (UXO) specialists.
After assessing the device and determining that it was too unstable to move, specialists worked to put extensive mitigation measures in place to manage the risk and allow them to safely carry out their operation. This included carefully surrounding the device with hundreds of tonnes of sand and installing protective structures around nearby buildings.
The experts were hopeful that the operation could be completed without triggering an explosion. However, due to the historic nature of the device and its complex two‑fuse design, this was not possible.
Plymouth City Council has released an update:
Cordon to re-open
"Following the completion of safety inspections, the process of lifting the 400‑metre cordon in Southway will now begin. The only remaining restrictions will be around the building site itself, where the device was located, while the site continues to be made fully secure.
"Over the past hour, utility companies and Council officers - including teams from street cleansing, building control, highways and arboriculture services - have been on site assessing any damage caused by the controlled detonation.
"These teams, working closely with the emergency services, are satisfied that no significant damage has been identified in the surrounding area, including nearby buildings. As a result, residents and businesses are now able to return.
"Please note, a small number of temporary road closures will remain in place immediately around the site while highways and cleansing teams carry out clean‑up work. Roads will reopen once this work is complete.
"The cordons will be physically adjusted over the next hour and we ask for patience while staff complete this work safely.
"The Evacuation Centre at Southway Youth and Community Centre will remain open until 3.30pm, with staff on hand incase people need help and support returning to their home.
"Thank you to everyone affected for your patience and understanding over the past couple of days."