800 people leave homes in middle of night due to WWII bomb | UK | News
A suspected bomb was found near Plymouth city center today (Wednesday, January 14). A 100-metre cordon has been established in Millbay after a suspected bomb was found at a construction site in Martin Street. (Image: Plymouth Live / BPM Media)
The discovery of a bomb caused 800 residents to evacuate their homes overnight; The local council admitted conditions were ‘far from ideal’.
Locals have been evacuated to ensure the safe removal of a Second World War explosive found at a construction site in Plymouth. mirror reports.
The wartime ordnance was unearthed in Plymouth on Wednesday, January 14, and assessments have since taken place to determine the “safest and least damaging method of disposal”. During this period, due to the temporary suspension of operations, numerous residents were ordered to vacate their properties before being allowed to return.
At 11pm on Thursday, January 15, Plymouth City Council announced that anyone living within a 150 meter radius of the convoy route where the bomb will be removed must evacuate their property immediately. Citizens will need to stay away from their homes overnight until the operation is completed.
The hearings are expected to be concluded by 03:00 at the earliest. The Millbay explosive has caused havoc since its discovery; It caused roads to be closed and people to be stranded and unable to stay in their homes.
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The device was discovered during construction work on derelict land between Bath Street and Martin Street. The irregularity detected in 2024 was detected as a result of additional inspections at the location.
Neighboring facilities had to be closed due to the security cordon. Millbay Academy remains closed after it was closed following the initial detection of the bomb.
The school switched to distance learning during this semester. The Moxy Hotel was likewise closed and guests had to vacate their rooms.
The hotel was immediately evacuated and all guests were provided with alternative accommodation, but many left in a hurry without their belongings. The council house, Ballard House, has also been closed and will remain closed on Friday, January 16 for scheduled meetings or appointments.
A suspected bomb was found near Plymouth city center today (Wednesday, January 14). A 100-metre cordon has been established in Millbay after a suspected bomb was found at a construction site in Martin Street. (Image: Plymouth Live / BPM Media)
As residents were forced to leave their properties, an evacuation assembly point was set up at Christ the King Church Hall on Armada Road for those who had nowhere else to shelter. Once the police cordon is lifted and operations are completed, residents will be allowed to return to their homes.
A spokesperson for Plymouth City Council said: “Once everyone has been evacuated the evacuation process can begin. “While we cannot yet confirm the exact duration of the evacuation, we expect this to be completed by 3am.
“People are encouraged to monitor the Council’s social media feeds on Facebook and X for updates.”
Residents had previously been evacuated from their properties following the discovery of the device but were later allowed to return.
“We recognize that hitting the road at short notice, especially at night, is far from ideal. However, now that the device has been uncovered, the priority is to complete the operation quickly and safely,” the spokesman continued.
“Residents needing assistance to leave safely should call 01752 668000.”
