Hundreds of people have been forced out of their homes in Plymouth after a suspected unexploded World War Two bomb was found in a back garden.
A 200m (650ft) cordon was put in place – and a major incident declared – after the device was found at the property on St Michael Avenue, Keyham. Devon and Cornwall Police said on Tuesday evening the cordon was likely to be in place for about 36 hours. Ch Supt Matt Longman said the priority was to keep people safe. “The first thing to appreciate is just how much impact this has had on the people of Plymouth, particularly in this area,” said the police chief. “There’s a huge amount of gratitude from us for the patience people have shown, just working with us, and we ask people to continue that throughout the evening. “Right now, I just think I want the public to know we’ve got all the right people here, it takes time to get the expertise needed to deal with a situation like this. “We’re here, we’re trying to work through how we’re going to deal with this, but the number one has got to be keeping people safe.”
Residents have been offered shelter at North Prospect Library and in local community centres. They have been advised to stay with friends or family nearby until the device has been dealt with. The Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team is on the scene and the public has been asked to avoid the area where possible. Local resident Christine Mitchell, who lives on Parkside, said she was alerted to the incident by police who were knocking on doors in the area. She said: “[I’m] very worried because I’ve left a cat at home … so I just want to go home to him.” Ms Mitchell said the experience had been “very shocking” and “very scary”. She added: “Being left in the dark, you don’t know what to think. I’m praying that, you know, they’ll be able to dismantle it and everyone will be safe.” Maureen Brock, 90, who also lives nearby, said she had been advised to leave her property by police, but said she did not want to go. She said: “They advised me to go, but my daughter doesn’t come in until later on, and I don’t feel as though I want to go anywhere – I don’t go out, you see.” Ms Brock said she had lived in her home on Royal Navy Avenue since 1972, and said she was not surprised when she found out the suspected device had been found. She said: “Well I’m not surprised really, not around here … they’re always finding something.” The city saw more than 50 bombing attacks by German aircraft during the war between 1940 and 1944. Numerous unexploded bombs have since been discovered and detonated, including near the city’s seafront in 2011.
