Homes evacuated during England's World Cup opener as bomb squad called to Barnstaple
A suspected unexploded ordnance was discovered on Wednesday evening
Last updated 18th Jun 2026
The discovery of a suspected unexploded ordnance in the attic of a property in Barnstaple led to homes on a street being evacuated.
Devon and Cornwall Police were called to Pilton at around 4.15pm on Wednesday 17 June, with people asked to leave their homes during England's first World Cup match against Croatia.
The Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called to help with the disposal of the item.
Devon and Cornwall Police released a statment. It said: "Police were informed to a suspected unexploded ordnance located in an attic of a property in Pilton, Barnstaple.
"The Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were informed and attended and the item was safely removed.
"A local evacuation around the property was carried out while this took place. Residents were able to return once the device was safely removed."
In a statement released on the Barnstaple Police Facebook page, the force confirmed residents were allowed back in their homes at around 9.30pm.