Hundreds of residents were forced out of their home overnight after a Nazi bomb was found in a garden.
A major incident was declared yesterday (20 Feb) when the Second World War ordinance was discovered at a property in Plymouth, Devon.
Police were called to the scene just after 10:30am yesterday.
And the 200m cordon remained in place overnight with hundreds of people forced to evacuate – with no idea of when they’ll be able to return.
Officers have been speaking to residents and assisting with the evacuation of properties within that cordon.
People have also been advised to avoid the area while bomb disposal experts from the Royal Navy deal with the situation.
Plymouth City Council said that the cordon around the scene on St Michael Avenue, Keyham, remained in place overnight.
They added it was likely to be extended in the coming days.
Local residents have been sharing their confusion and updates online.
They said several roads have been affected by the evacuation.
One resident, who a 10minute walk away from the house with the bomb, has said: “Thank you to everyone that’s checked up on my family…
“We are all safe”.
Another resident said: “Would have been nice if I was told I wasn’t allowed back home as I wasn’t in the cordon when I left. We have just the clothes on our backs.”
Many others are asking when they will be allowed back home.
Another posted: “D&C is there a contact number for the local residents to call for updates and to find out when they can return to their homes please?”
Someone said: “Is there any update on this? Just need to know if I should head straight to the pub after work because I can’t go home. Lol.”
One resident wrote: “A big unexploded bomb has been found in Plymouth not far from the intended target, the dockyard.
“You can blame the Luftwaffe for missing and my dad and his colleagues in army bomb disposal for not finding it.”
Someone said the news has hit too close to home, as they posted: “Oooooooh I lived for 10 years within a couple of streets of St Michaels road where the unexplored bomb was found in Plymouth.
“My friend lived in the next road and I would have walked past it 3/4 times a week.”
Plymouth City Council have said in a statement: “Residents who live within the cordoned off area and are unable to stay with friends or family, are being asked to call the Council on 01752 668000 where they can receive advice.
“The cordon will be extended in the coming days, as ordnance disposal experts begin to work to make the unexploded wartime device safe, which we acknowledge will have significant impact.
“Further information will be shared when it is confirmed.
“Residents who feel the need to collect pets or medicine are advised to approach police officers at the cordon.
“In the event of medical issues, residents can contact 111 or, in an emergency, 999.
“This is an ongoing incident and as a result, we are expecting a significant knock-on effect for the city’s roads.
“A number of bus routes will also be suspended.
“We would advise not travelling in the area unless it is absolutely necessary.
“Further updates will be available on this web page and through the local media as information becomes available.
“This will include information about the support that will be available to residents with any further evacuation.”
