Plymouth bomb to be detonated
A cordon remains in place around the area
Last updated 2 hours ago
An unexploded Second World War bomb which was found at a building site will be detonated in situ, officials have confirmed.
More than 1,000 homes have been evacuated as a precaution following the discovery in Flamborough Road, Southway, Plymouth.
Royal Navy and Army UXO specialists have now completed a rigorous and detailed assessment of the unexploded ordnance.
They have advised that it is not possible to safely remove it. The only safe option is to make the device safe in situ, which will involve a controlled detonation.
Specialist teams are currently building a mitigation structure using large quantities of sand, to reduce the potential impact of the detonation.
The detonation will take place at some point tomorrow and will only take place once all safety measures are fully in place.
Please note, you will not be able to see this ‘detonation’ from any point around the cordon, so please stay away from the area. The Police have also issued a no-fly zone over the site, which means no drones are allowed.
Plymouth City Council has released this update:
What this means for the cordon and returning home
As a result of this development, the cordon will remain in place at 400 metres and will not be lifted this evening. Residents who have been evacuated will not be able to return to their homes tonight. Once the device has been made safe, and the Royal Navy / Army specialists have given the green light, the Council will announce on its website, on social media and via local media, when the cordon will be lifted.
If you are within the 400‑metre cordon and have not yet evacuated, you are strongly urged to leave your home this evening.
The evacuation is essential so specialists can proceed safely with the next stage of work. This is about protecting lives, including your own and those of your neighbours. If you are able to, please make arrangements to stay with friends or family. If you cannot do this, support is available (see details below).
If you are leaving your home, remember to leave your windows open, turn off your water supply and take essential items with you for the next couple of days, including:
medication and medical equipment
items for babies and children
phone chargers or power packs
important documents
food and supplies for pets
Accommodation and evacuation centre support
For residents already placed in temporary accommodation, bookings will be automatically extended and no further action is required. If you have been evacuated today and do not have alternative accommodation, please go to the Evacuation Centre at Southway Youth and Community Centre.
Officers will be there to provide advice, support and help with accommodation. Please be aware that if you arrange your own accommodation, we are unable to reimburse costs, so it is important to contact us first. If you are unable to attend the centre, please call 01752 668000. The evacuation centre will remain open overnight.
Collecting essential items
We understand that some residents and businesses have asked whether they can return to collect essential items such as medication. The clear advice from the Royal Navy is that no one should re‑enter the cordon at this time. If you urgently need to recover vital or emergency items, please go to the Evacuation Centre and speak to officers there, who will be able to advise and support you.
School closures
Due to the continuing evacuation, Oakwood Primary School, Little Acorns Pre‑School and Beechwood Primary School will remain closed tomorrow.
Acknowledging the impact and wellbeing support
We fully recognise the disruption and stress this situation is causing residents and businesses, and we are very sorry for the impact. These actions are necessary to protect lives and ensure everyone’s safety.
If you are struggling with your mental health or feel you are in crisis, please contact Livewell’s First Response service via NHS 111 (select the mental health option).
If you are feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed but are not in crisis, you can contact NHS Talking Therapies Plymouth on 01752 435419. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.
Reminder: If you are being asked to leave your homes / businesses and need help and support, please go to: Southway Youth and Community Centre (Wellbeing Centre). If you need assistance and can't get to the centre, please call 01752 668000 or 0808 230 6500 for PCH tenants.