UK: Unexploded WWII Bomb Discovered in Plymouth Garden Triggers Evacuation

An unexploded device discovered in Plymouth on Tuesday morning has prompted days of frantic investigations by bomb experts on how best to deal with it. On Friday, it was decided that the bomb would be taken out to sea and disposed of at a safe distance.

Plymouth City Council announced shortly after noon that residents within 300 meters of the garden, located on St Michael Avenue in the Keyham area, must evacuate by 2 pm and may not be allowed back until at least 5 pm.

A view of the garden after it was further dug out by bomb experts (Picture: FPS Images)

A council spokesperson stated, “It is a very complex situation, and several factors need to be considered by the members of the resilience forum, alongside the overriding objective of people’s safety, including damage to property and impact on underground utilities.”

“Following more information about the device and after considering all options, including a controlled detonation on-site, partners have agreed that the safest and least impactful option is to remove the device from St Michael Avenue and travel to the Torpoint Ferry slipway – for the bomb to be disposed of at sea (beyond the breakwater).”

Police officers outside the home where a bomb was discovered (Picture: PA)

Bomb disposal experts from the Army and Royal Navy conducted X-ray scans and excavations to assess the risk. Images from the excavation site appeared to show a sizeable rusted metal object of a shape consistent with bombs used by the Luftwaffe, such as the 250kg SC250, which was a staple of the Blitz.

Devon and Cornwall Police declared a major incident immediately after finding the device.

M10News will continue to provide exclusive updates on this developing story.