Around 1,200 Homes Evacuated in Plymouth After Suspected WWII Bomb Found at Building Site

Around 1,200 homes are being evacuated in Plymouth after a suspected unexploded World War Two device was found at a building site.

Police extended the cordon to 400m (1,300ft) following advice from military bomb disposal experts to "allow specialist teams to continue their work safely".

The centre of the cordon is at Flamborough Road, in the Southway area of Plymouth, Devon, after reports were received at about 14:30 BST.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Officers are knocking on any impacted properties and we are working with partners to convene plans for any displaced residents. Please do not travel into or attend this area."

Insp Gareth Hammett, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said the ordnance was a suspected unexploded WW2 device. He added the police endeavour to "resolve this incident as quickly as possible".

"We do not underestimate the impact and the inconvenience... but we'd also like to reassure the public that we're working quickly and closely with our partners to try and bring this incident to a conclusion."

He said approximately 1,200 homes were being evacuated and the Royal Navy ordinance disposal team were on site surveying the device.

He said it was "unsettling" and added: "I know it's really inconvenient and we know the impact.

"This is not the first time we've dealt with an incident like this, as you know, in Plymouth..."

"This is all about public safety."

There were more than 50 bombing attacks on Plymouth between 1941 and 1944 killing 1,178 civilians in the area. Official records estimate that at least 2,820 bombs fell on the city with about 10% failing to detonate.

Plymouth City Council said it did not know how long the cordon would remain in place and it would depend on the "outcome of the specialist assessment".

It said people were encouraged to make arrangements to stay with friends or family for the next two nights.

Lisa Clark, a resident of the area, speaking to the BBC before the cordon was extended to include her home said: "The uncertainty is making me feel a wee bit anxious now really."

The council said: "Residents within the expanded cordon are now being asked to temporarily leave their homes.

"The Police, with support from partner agencies are in the area to speak directly with affected residents and ensure they have the support they need."

The council said it appreciated this was a "worrying situation and we thank residents for their patience and cooperation".

Josh Roberts was shopping in Aldi with his mum when he found out about the ordnance. He said: "The police officer came quite frantically into the shop really, asking to see the manager, we thought, it's a bit different.

"We heard the word bomb so that's when we were like we need to kind of get out of here, we need to go and see what's going on."

Roberts' home is in the extended evacuation zone. Earlier he had said: "We'll leave for however long it needs to take for everyone's safety at the end of the day."

Theresa Jones was asked to leave her home when the 200m cordon was extended. She said: "I'm waiting to be offered alternative accommodation... and I'm just having a cup of tea and a sandwich whilst I wait."

She added: "We're now just waiting for a taxi to take us somewhere to sleep."

"I've left my animals at home so I'm hoping they'll be okay and they're with my husband so hopefully they'll all be okay," she added.

In February 2024 a 500kg (1,102lb) German World War Two bomb was found in a garden in the Keyham area of Plymouth. It forced the evacuation of thousands of people and was detonated at sea.

"It is scary but I know from the Keyham bomb that all the houses in the area were fine so I'm hoping that the same sort of thing will happen."

Plymouth City council have issued advice to people needing to evacuate. They asked people to:

- Leave windows open where possible - Turn off the stop tap to isolate water to their property - Take enough clothes and essential items for the next two days, including medications or medical equipment, hygiene items and essentials for babies and children, such as nappies, formula, bottles, food and comfort items - Bring a power pack or charger for mobile phones, hearing aids or other essential devices - Take important household documents - Take supplies for pets

Those who were unable to make alternative arrangements for overnight accommodation have been asked to contact the council on 01752 668 000 (or 0808 230 6500 if you are a PCH tenant) and go to Southway Youth and Community Centre on Hendwell Close.

Plymouth City Council said the cordon was in place to "ensure the safety of local residents while specialist teams complete their assessment".

A spokesperson said: "The Royal Navy Explosives Ordnance Disposal team remains on site and the situation is being carefully managed.

"We would like to reassure the community that this is a precautionary measure and there is no immediate risk to the wider public."

Three schools have closed as a result of the evacuation: Oakwood Primary School, Little Acorns Pre-School and Beachwood Primary School.

"These decisions have been taken in the best interests of children, staff and families."

It added: "Schools will be communicating directly with parents and carers to provide further information and guidance."