Over a thousand expected to be evacuated after suspected World War II bomb found at Plymouth building site

Police say they expect 1,200 people will be evacuated after a suspected World War II bomb was found unexploded at a Plymouth building site yesterday.

Police were called to the scene on Flamborough Road in Southway at around 2:30pm yesterday afternoon (29th April).

The evacuation process began yesterday, with residents being asked to temporarily leave their homes, along with their pets.

The council is expected to hold a press conference at 10am today (30th April), and has advised residents to "prepare for two nights away".

Three schools in the area have been affected too, with Oakwood Primary School and Little Acorns Pre‑School to be closed today.

Though it is outside the 400-metre cordon, Beechwood Primary School has also been advised to close.

Following advice from bomb disposal experts at the Royal Navy, the safety cordon around the incident has been extended from 200 metres to 400 metres, as the specialist teams continue their work.

Plymouth City Council said it is not known how long the cordon will need to remain in place.

Those who have been displaced as result of the cordon can go to the Southway Youth and Community Centre, where Plymouth City council and Plymouth Community Homes staff are available to offer support, and information.

The council has issued this advice for anyone asked to evacuate:

• If possible, stay with friends and family
• If not, go to Southway Youth & Community Centre, where staff can help - bear in mind the Council will be unable to reimburse those who make their own hotel arrangements
• If you are unable to get to the centre, please call: 01752 668000 (or 0808 230 6500 if you are a PCH tenant)
• Where possible leave your windows open
• Turn off the stop tap to isolate water to your property. This may be out in the footpath or an internal stop tap within the property itself.
• Take enough clothes and essential items for the next two days. Remember to bring any medications or medical equipment you may need, including walking sticks, frames or mobility aids.
• Take any hygiene items you require, along with essentials for babies and children, such as nappies, formula, bottles, food and comfort items.
• If possible, bring a power pack or charger for mobile phones, hearing aids or other essential devices.
• Take important household documents.
• Remember any supplies for pets, if needed.

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