Work to remove unexploded Plymouth device resumes
Plymouth City Council say enhanced scanning equipment will help determine how to make the ordnance safe
Last updated 15th Jan 2026
Specialist equipment is expected to arrive in Plymouth soon after an unexploded WW2 device was discovered in Millbay yesterday (14/01).
Work to remove the device on Martin Street had to be halted last night (1401) due to limited daylight and the need for extra equipment.
Plymouth City Council say the Royal Navy bomb disposal team have now advised them that "enhanced scanning equipment" is expected to arrive shortly.
The council added 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.
Meanwhile in Exmouth specialists are still continuing to assess a "much larger" unexploded WW2 ordnance which was dredged from the water near the harbour yesterday .
A 400m Cordon remains in place, with thousands of people still evacuated from their homes after the unexploded WW2 bomb was declared a 'major incident.'
In an update this afternoon Police said its unclear when people who live in the evacuation zone in Exmouth will be able to return home.